What to Know About Meals at Camp This Summer

May 1, 2026

Introducing Our Dining Partner
This summer, Appel Farm will be working with Upper Crust Food Service (UCFS), a national food service management company.

You can learn more about their team here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzVEetO9BQc

About Upper Crust (in their own words)
Upper Crust was founded in 2009 and began by serving fraternity and sorority houses—“communities where meals are daily, expectations are high, and consistency matters.”

In 2019, they expanded into summer camps because “camps deserve a dining partner who brings both heart and operational calm,” and that their goal is to help dining feel “steady, welcoming, and well-run—so the focus stays on the camp experience.”

They also note that today they support hundreds of partners nationwide and serve 50+ camps each summer, measuring success by when “campers feel cared for, families feel confident, and camp leadership can breathe easier.”

Experience & Scale
Upper Crust shares that they have spent 15+ years feeding large, high-energy communities where consistency matters. They describe bringing “structure and care” into camp dining and preparing hundreds of thousands of meals each season.

What Upper Crust Highlights
Upper Crust describes several focus areas in their camp programs, including:

• “Consistency you can feel,” with meals that are steady in quality and familiar
• “Campers-first menus” built around what kiddos enjoy and what fuels active days
• “A calm, capable kitchen team” with clear standards and leadership
• “Thoughtful dietary support (with a real process)” that is planned in advance
• “Communication you can trust” with camp leadership
• “Flexibility when camp life changes,” including schedule and environment shifts

Dietary Needs & Allergen Awareness
Upper Crust shares that they work with camp leadership to support dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

They also note experience managing the “Big 9” allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame) and describe following established food safety and allergen-awareness protocols.

Important Reminder:
If your camper has dietary needs, please make sure those are clearly communicated in advance so they can be reviewed and coordinated appropriately.

Looking Ahead

Together, we’re excited to welcome your camper into a summer of creativity, connection, and camp magic. From the moments spent making art to the time spent gathered around the table. We can’t wait to see them in the dining hall and throughout all the moments that make camp so special!

Learn More About Upper Crust
Instagram: @uppercrustfoodservice_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpperCrustFoodService/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uppercrustfoodservice

If you have any questions, we’re always happy to help!

The Appel Farm Arts Camp Team
camp@appelfarm.org
(856) 358-2472
www.appelfarm.org