New research benchmarks the impact of campus dining on student experience

A peek at the findings 

• Dining brings people together

  100% of institutions use dining spaces for social gatherings, underscoring dining’s role as social infrastructure on campus.

• A place to study

  95% of institutions report that dining spaces are used for studying, connecting food spaces with students’ academic lives. 

• Part of campus visits

  87% of institutions include dining in the campus-visit experience, making it part of how prospective students encounter campus life.

• Allergen awareness

  99% of institutions provide allergen information, helping students make more informed dining choices.

• Nutrition support 

  86% of institutions provide access to a registered dietitian or nutrition consultation.

• Food security

  94% of institutions report at least one food-security or basic-needs initiative, reflecting efforts to address students’ essential needs.

• Events on every campus

  100% of participating institutions host themed culinary events, making them a widespread part of campus dining.

• 20 events a year

  Among 77 institutions reporting event counts, the median is 20 themed culinary events in a typical academic year.

• Dining-hosted events

  89% of institutions use dining spaces for events or programming, extending their role beyond everyday meals.