Monday, Jun 17, 2024
University awarded silver in residential dining and nutrition
by Tatiana Sciancalepore
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø's commitment to exceptional dining services has once again earned national acclaim. The University received two silver awards from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) — a Loyal E. Horton Dining Award in the Residential Dining Facility of the Year category and a Nutrition Award in the Wellness and Nutrition Program of the Year category.
"We are honored once again to receive such prestigious national awards for our dining program," said Mike Reca, vice president of University Operations. "This recognition is a testament to the partnership between ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø and Gourmet Dining, who tirelessly work together to provide the highest quality dining experience for our students and the campus community."
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø's food and dining services, operated by Gourmet Dining Services, LLC, encompass several venues such as Daly Dining Hall, Cranberry's, Starbucks and Muller’s Pub, offering students a diverse selection of high-quality food options.
Daly Dining Hall, the University's main residential dining facility, is renowned for its ability to accommodate various special diets and multicultural culinary preferences. The hall features amenities like a teaching kitchen for student meal preparation, access to an in-house dietitian and a dedicated station that caters specifically to individuals with major food allergies.
The Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards, named after a founder and past president of the NACUFS, celebrate excellence in collegiate dining through exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning and innovative dining concepts. The Nutrition Awards specifically honor exceptional nutrition and wellness initiatives within college dining programs.
Beyond culinary excellence, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Dining also plays an active role in supporting on-campus programs aimed at assisting those in need. This includes partnerships with local organizations such as Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, which provides nutritious meals to elderly and homebound individuals, and the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Food and Resource Pantry, which addresses food insecurity among students by providing access to essential food supplies and resources.