Sponsor Testimonials
“The MCURC gathering is one of the most valuable events we participate in each year. We appreciate the small, casual setting that creates real opportunities to connect directly with university chefs, dietitians, and sustainability managers while also engaging with the latest research tied to the Menus of Change principles. This year, we especially valued the 1:1 meetings arranged as part of the agenda, which allowed us to build meaningful relationships and explore new ideas in a focused setting. Touring the host university’s dining halls and hearing firsthand from their chefs about how they are meeting today’s student needs provided tremendous insights that will help guide our own efforts. As a sponsor, the combination of intimate networking, actionable education, and practical campus exposure makes MCURC an outstanding experience for the National Peanut Board.”
— Valeri Lea, Marketing Guide | Sherman Moritz | National Peanut Board
“The MCURC 2025 event beautifully exemplifies the GLOCAL approach, where global brands like Nestlé, UC Berkeley, and local farmers come together to create impactful collaborations. This synergy highlights the importance of integrating global strategies with local engagement, fostering meaningful connections that enhance community involvement and promote sustainable practices tailored to local needs. Through this partnership, we are not only showcasing the integration of local produce into our offerings but also strengthening community ties and supporting economic growth. This collaboration ensures that both local farmers and global brands thrive together in a mutually beneficial relationship. Furthermore, the initiative underscores our commitment to community and student engagement through food, showcasing how we can bring together diverse perspectives and resources to enhance the overall culinary experience. In summary, MCURC 2025 stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in fostering a sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.”
— Alex Dino, Corporate Executive Chef | Nestlé Professional Solutions | Nestlé USA
“MCURC blends culinary creativity with some of the most innovative and transformative food processes hitting menus today. It was so great this year to see the processes, the Vanderbilt was cooking up (pun intended)!”
—Michael Fentress, Director of National Foodservice Distribution | North America | Oatly
“Attending MCURC for the first time as a supplier was an incredibly rewarding experience. The roundtable speed discussions were a highlight, they were engaging, efficient, and full of meaningful dialogue. We’re already seeing strong traction from the connections we made.The data insights shared by MCURC’s partners, along with the extensive studies presented, were both informative and eye-opening. This event not only deepened our understanding of the segment but also sparked new ideas and opportunities for collaboration. We left feeling energized and inspired, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”
— Lauren Cutrer, Customer Marketing Manager | J.R. Simplot Company
“As first-time MCURC sponsors, we were inspired by the collaboration and creativity that define this community. The conversations at Vanderbilt underscored a shared commitment to sustainability, nutrition transparency, and innovation in campus dining. Galley was proud to represent the Culinary Resource Planning category and show how unifying food data can help dining programs turn Menus of Change principles into action.”
—Marcus Nucci, Chief Product Officer | Galley Solutions
