 UMass Amherst Food Services Named Best in the Nation
July 26, 2005
AMHERST, Mass. – UMass Amherst Dining Services won first place in the nation for overall food services at a college or university at a national conference held recently in New Orleans. The National Association of College and University Food Services presented UMass the grand prize during the 2005 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award presentations at its annual conference.
Each year the organization judges colleges and universities on multiple categories, and can receive a gold, silver or bronze medal. Ken Toong, director of dining services at UMass Amherst, knew UMass had received a gold medal in the residence hall multiple concepts category, which made it eligible for the grand prize. But he was pleasantly surprised to find out that UMass had been chosen as this year’s grand prize winner, earning 49.3 of a possible 50 points.
“This award is the most difficult category to win. We were delighted to be selected. It speaks highly of our program and the dedication of our staff,” Toong commented. “It is our first time ever winning the grand prize.”
Judges examine the variety of menu selections, including foods at the dining halls and other venues on campus, merchandising, presentation, marketing, nutritional soundness and overall impression when choosing rankings and selecting the winner. UMass was judged against other large institutions in the U.S. and Canada, as the schools are divided into three categories according to size.
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