ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University Dining Services recently earned a Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for its Fresh Bar concept, according to a press release from the company.

The annual National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) Dining Awards celebrate exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning, and new dining concepts that are helping move the campus food industry forward, according to the release. Central was the only state institution to receive the prestigious honor this year.

Fresh Bar, introduced in the spring of 2020, received a silver award in the Retail Sales — Single Concept/Multiple Concepts/Marketplace category. The Central Marketplace food concept features a variety of menu items that includes avocado toast, granola parfait, superfood bowls, Mediterranean veggie bowls, Caesar salad, vegan chili and Greek wraps. Optional proteins such as grilled chicken and salmon also are available, along with some vegan dishes. In addition, Fresh Bar serves fresh-squeezed juices, açai bowls and draft kombucha while incorporating fresh ingredients from the Wildcat Neighborhood Farm, the release said.