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TUCO has had a strategic partnership with MCURC for several years now and TUCO Members are welcome to join this webinar as a result!

Overview

What does "good value" really mean when it comes to plant-forward menu items? New research from BITE: Building Impact Through Eaters, the Culinary Institute of America, Datassential, and the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative suggests it's about far more than price. While many consumers expect plant-forward dishes to cost less than meat-based options, they're even more motivated by high-quality ingredients, hearty portions, and craveable flavors—with value meals and combo meals emerging as one of the strongest drivers of plant-forward purchase intent. Dive into the 2026 Plant-Forward Opportunity Report: New Consumer Perspectives on Value to explore what these findings mean for restaurants and foodservice operations looking to grow plant-forward sales in today's economy.   

About the MCURC:

The Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC) is a global network of over 80 colleges and universities using campus dining halls as living laboratories for behavior change. These dynamic learning environments are where applied research, education, and operational innovation join to advance the Menus of Change Principles of Healthy, Sustainable Menus. Co-founded and jointly led by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Stanford Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE), and Stanford Prevention Research Center, the Collaborative brings together academic researchers, campus dining leaders, administrators, students, and mission-aligned sponsors and research collaborators. The 600+ MCURC members collectively serve over 4 million meals each day, representing 15 billion meals over the course of their students’ lifetimes. 

Documents

MCURC TUCO Webinar May 2026.docx

Pricing

FAQs

  • I can’t see a particular course/training, can you run it?

    If you are interested in receiving training that is not already offered by TUCO Academy, pop us an email or give us a call and we will see if we can source it for you. By going through TUCO Academy you will be able to purchase the training at a subsidised rate and if you can offer the training to other members it will reduce the cost further. 

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • Can I request a course or development day be held at my organisation?

    The TUCO Academy has worked hard to offer all training at a subsidised price, agreeing reduced corporate contract rates with hotels etc. - yet still understands the benefits of in-house training. To that end, working alongside the professional trainers, TUCO Academy can arrange for events to be held at your own institution, for no extra cost. 

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • Who can use the training with TUCO Academy?

    All professional development events are available for ANY staff in institutions who are members of TUCO, not just employees in the hospitality, catering and commercial services department.

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • Can I book on behalf of someone else in my organisation?

    Yes – the person making the booking doesn’t have to attend.

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • How do I pay for my professional development event?

    You can opt to pay by credit card on the booking form directly or select to pay by invoice. If you need to submit a purchase order this can be entered in the booking form.

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

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