I had the great pleasure of being part of the aged care panel for the Food Suppliers Association Australia (FSAA) lunch, where a lively discussion took place regarding menu planning, food
trends, choice and navigating aged care foodservices. The food manufacturing sector needs to understand how aged care food services function and how to position its products and equipment to be part of menu planning solutions.
The key points from the discussion were:
The age care care food service standards highlight the importance of food choice, menu planning and meal-time quality
Foodservices has a high turnover of staff and often finds it challenging to maintain skilled staff
The pressure for aged care homes is to increase choices for residents
Food manufacturers play a vital role in providing menu solutions and increasing choice.
Food services is a complex system, and finding solutions takes time and careful planning Food manufacturers, through product development, has profoundly influenced the efficiency of meal production in aged care kitchens. There has been the development of time saving food/ingredients, the increase of food items which are gluten-free and ready-made meal components and ingredients. Food manufacturers have plenty of opportunities now and in the future to support residential aged care food services and provide great menu solutions.
For more information on the Foodservice Suppliers Association Australia FSAA, Click Here
Panel Dr Karen Abbey, Dr Angeline Achariya & Moderating Gary Johnson