UK plans to reduce meal plan costs for students, diversify food options with new company
Those footing the bill for University of Kentucky student meals might catch a break this fall semester.
UK announced plans Friday to reduce student meal plan costs by 5% compared to previous pricing presented to the UK Board of Trustees in December 2025, according to a news release from University spokespersons.
Meal plans for students living on campus during the 2026-2027 academic year were initially expected to range from $2,114 to $3,145, according to records from the Board of Trustees’ finance committee meeting on Dec. 2. Aramark was still the university’s dining partner when those prices were presented to the board.
The rate cut was “made possible through the university’s preferred enterprise services partner – Compass Group,” the news release said. The company will oversee UK’s dining, maintenance, grounds, custodial, in-patient sitters and in-patient transport workers.
Plans for the new prices will be presented to trustees at its June 29-30 meetings, which are open to the public in the Gatton Student Center.
“While dining rates do not require Board approval, we make sure to present this information to the Board,” said Lindsay Travis, a UK spokesperson.
UK President Eli Capilouto said the quality of food and dining services will not change.
“This measure allows us to lower costs while maintaining the quality and reliability our campus expects,” Capilouto said. “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.”
Compass Group plans to expand “chef-inspired menu options” and initiatives “to enhance food quality, increase variety and create more welcoming dining experiences across campus,” the news release said.
Compass Group will begin dining and concession services on July 1.
UK signed a letter of intent to partner with Compass Group and plans to finalize a contract by July, according to Travis.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 2:58 PM.