Elon Dining Wins Six NACUFS Awards Presented by the National Association of College and University Food Services
June 15, 2026
Elon, North Carolina — Elon Dining at Elon University has earned national recognition with six awards across the 2026 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards, Nutrition Awards, and Sustainability Awards, presented by the National Association of College & University Food Services.
Elon Dining received the following awards:
Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards
Silver Medal, Innovative Dining Program of the Year
Silver Medal, Residential Special Event of the Year, Annual Earth Fest 2025
Silver Medal, Residential Special Event of the Year, Mardi Gras
Nutrition Awards
Silver Medal, Special Diet Recipe of the Year
Bronze Medal, Wellness and Nutrition Program of the Year
Sustainability Awards
Silver Medal, Sustainable Procurement
“To be recognized in six categories is both exciting and a little wild, in the best way,” said Christian Wallace, Guest Experience Manager for Elon Dining. “I want to give a huge shoutout to our operations and culinary teams, because none of this happens without them. They are the ones bringing these programs, events, recipes, and ideas to life. I just get the privilege of helping capture and share the story.”
Often regarded as the gold standard in collegiate dining, the Loyal E. Horton Awards recognize excellence in dining programs at colleges and universities across the country. The Nutrition Awards recognize outstanding nutrition and wellness programs implemented within collegiate foodservice programs. The Sustainability Awards recognize dining services’ contributions to a clean environment.
Carrie Ryan, Elon University Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services states, “These awards highlight what is possible when talented people are focused on creating an exceptional experience for students. They reflect the dedication, creativity, and care that the Elon Dining team brings to campus every day. At Elon University, dining is about much more than food—it is about creating meaningful experiences, supporting student well-being, advancing sustainability, and fostering community. We are proud of our partnership with Harvest Table Culinary Group and grateful for the commitment, innovation, and collaboration that continue to enhance the student experience and contribute to the success of our campus community.”
The official award presentation will take place at the NACUFS 2026 National Conference, July 15 to 18 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where top programs from across the country will be celebrated for their contributions to campus dining excellence.
Elon Dining, operated by Harvest Table Culinary Group, serves the Elon University community through residential dining, retail dining, nutrition and wellness programming, sustainability initiatives, culinary events, and student engagement programs. Through partnerships across campus and with local farmers, producers, vendors, and community organizations, Elon Dining works to create meaningful dining moments that support student life, campus culture, and the broader community. These relationships help bring local flavor, regional sourcing, and authentic connection into the campus dining experience.
