UK plans to reduce meal plan costs this fall by 5% through Enterprise Services Partnership
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 22, 2026) — When students have reliable access to affordable, healthy food, they are better able to learn, participate and succeed at every stage of life.
Next academic year, University of Kentucky students will see a 5% reduction in meal plan costs when compared to the pricing previously presented to the Board of Trustees in December 2025 — a development made possible through the university’s preferred enterprise services partner — Compass Group. The new, reduced dining rate plans will be presented to the UK Board at its June 29-30 meetings.
“The success of our students is foundational to the success of the university. We have heard clearly from our students that affordability matters,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “This measure allows us to lower costs while maintaining the quality and reliability our campus expects. In turn, we are putting our students first and delivering greater value both in what they pay and how they learn and grow at UK.”
As part of a phased approach, Compass Group is scheduled to begin operations in dining and concessions on July 1, 2026. While details are still being finalized regarding the overall agreement, there is a clear commitment to students through targeted investments in campus dining designed to improve the student experience while maintaining quality and affordability.
These plans focus on modernizing dining locations, expanding chef-inspired menu options and introducing new service models that better reflect how students live and eat today. Initiatives are expected to enhance food quality, increase variety and create more welcoming dining experiences across campus.
“At Compass Group, we believe great dining experiences are an important part of student life and campus community,” said Vallen Emery, executive vice president for UK enterprise success, Compass Group. “Our chefs and culinary teams are focused on serving fresh, craveable meals students are excited about every day while also delivering value for students and families. We’re looking forward to partnering with the University of Kentucky to introduce more variety and flexible options that reflect how students live, learn and connect on campus today.”
Compass Group also plans to incorporate new technology to make it easier for students to buy meals throughout the day — at any dining spot on campus — through a seamless dining experience. These efforts are designed to enhance convenience and flexibility while continuing to deliver quality, variety and value for students and families.
“Having more dining options at a lower cost is a huge win for students. It makes it easier to find food that fits our schedules and our health goals, whether we need something quick between classes or a balanced meal to recharge,” said Jaya Ong, a UK sophomore. “That combination of affordability, convenience and variety really makes campus life more enjoyable day to day.”
Together, UK and Compass Group also are working to expand learning opportunities for students. As a global leader in foodservice and hospitality, Compass Group offers hands-on opportunities for students to work alongside chefs, hospitality leaders and industry professionals in areas such as operations, nutrition, sustainability, marketing and finance.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to putting students first in everything we do,” said UK Board of Trustees Chair Britt Brockman. “We have an opportunity to reduce costs while maintaining a strong dining experience and expanding opportunities for UK students beyond the classroom.”
UK’s Enterprise Services Partnership builds on the critical work employees are doing each day to support the enterprise — UK, UK HealthCare, UK King’s Daughters and UK St. Claire. All UK employees remain UK employees, with no changes to their pay or benefits. As the partnership moves forward, employees will have access to new training, career development and apprenticeship opportunities that support long-term growth. Read UK’s update to employees about the Enterprise Services Partnership.
Learn more about the partnership online at https://evpfa.uky.edu/enterprise-services-partnership.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.