Brought to you by: Suzanne Quiring
Introduction
In2024–2025,SuzanneQuiringwastheKeynoteSpeaker fortheSyscoHealthcare&SeniorLivingShowsheldacross Canadawithapproximately1,000professionalsparticipating nationwide.Hersession,titled“Connection,Collaboration& Community:ExchangingInnovativeFoodServiceIdeasand Solutions,”wasadynamic,interactiveworkshopdesignedtospark meaningfulconversations.Intheseworkshops,participantswere encouragedtocometogether,sharebestpractices,andexplore innovativewaystoenhancefoodserviceoperations,improveresidentcare, andelevatequalityoflifethroughnutritionandmeals.
Theenergyandcreativitythatflowedthroughoutthesesessionsweretrulynourishing fuelinga collaborativespiritthatsparkedfreshideasandpracticalsolutionsfromcoasttocoast.Toinspirethis exchange,Suzanneposedeightthought-provokingquestionstoparticipants,designedtoprompt reflection,dialogue,andthesharingofideas.Thesequestionsbecamethefoundationformeaningful discussionsthatshowcasedhow,byworkingtogether,wecancultivatebetteroutcomesandraisethe standardoffoodservicenationwide.
Now,SuzanneandSyscoareproudtobringthesevaluableinsightstoyou.Thisflipbookcapturesa summaryoftheamazingworkhappeningacrossCanada,highlightinginnovativeapproachesandshared successes.It’sauniqueopportunityforallofustolearnfromoneanother,buildontheseideas,and continueadvancingnutritionandfoodserviceinhealthcareandseniorliving.
Together, let’s continue to nourish innovation, feed connection, and foster a community where every idea helps us grow stronger and care better, because when we nourish together, we thrive together.
Valued Sysco Customers THANK YOU TO OUR
WesincerelythankallofourvaluedSyscocustomerswhojoinedusfortheHealthcare&SeniorLiving showsandgenerouslysharedtheirexpertiseandideasduringthesessions.Yourenthusiasmandactive participationnourishedcollaborationduringtheworkshopsandwillcontinuetonourishinnovation fromcoasttocoast.
SyscoishonouredtobeyourtrustedpartnerinelevatingthediningexperienceinHealthcare&Senior Living.Yourleadership,commitment,anddedicationnotonlydriveexcellenceinyourown organizationsbutalsoupliftandinspiretheentirecommunityacrossCanada.Wearegratefulforyour partnershipandlookforwardtocontinuingthisjourneyofcollaboration,learning,andgrowthtogether.
Suzanne Quiring, RD
SuzanneQuiringisaRegisteredDietitianbothinCanadaandUSA. Alongwithhavinghertwo-yearContinuingCareAdministrator’s designation,shehasover30years’experienceintheHealthcare andfoodserviceindustryasaDirectorofFoodServices,Clinical Dietitian,andConsultant.Suzannehaspersonallyworkedinmany areasofhealthcare;fromAcuteCaretoResidentialCareincluding AssistedLiving,SkilledNursingCare,PalliativeCare,DementiaCare, BrainInjury,CancerCare,andExtendedCare.Shehasanappreciationas tothepracticalandrealchallengesofprovidinggreatmealservicetofolks regardlessofcarelevel.Shecontinuestoworkweeklyasaclinicaldietitianinthehealthcarefield to“keepitreal”.
SuzanneistheInventorofthefamousSuzyQcarts,whichisanimprovedwayon“how”wetypicallydo mealdeliveryinhealthcare.Thisproductallowsformoreinteraction&choice,hotterfoodandless foodwaste,resultinginsignificantdollarsavings.Todate,shehashelpedover1,000+communities throughoutNorthAmericaimprovethediningexperience.Suzannehasbeenpublishedintenpeer publicationsandwasawardedtheMarieTaylorAwardforExcellenceinLongTermCarebyDietitians ofCanadain2015,andANFPNationalDiningDistinctionAwardwinnerfor2020.Suzannespendsher timeprovidingeducationsupporttoResidentialCarecommunitiesviawebinarclasses,conference speaking,andemail/phonesupporttofolksthataremotivatedtomakeapositivechangeintheir diningroom&hallwayservices.Shelovestoshareherpassionandexperienceon“how”mealservice canbedoneasresidentfocusedaspossible,theculturechangethatisneeded,andtoensure loneliness,helplessnessandboredomarechallenged.
Shared Purpose
Asfoodserviceandnutritionprofessionals,ouraimisto provideanoutstandingmealserviceprogram andhere’s whyitmatters.Awell-designedmealservicehelpsreduce malnutritionanddehydration,whichinturnlowerstherisk ofhospitalization.Beyondphysicalhealth,itplaysacrucial roleinincreasingsocialengagementandreducingfeelings ofisolation.Iteasesloneliness,helplessness,andboredom, whilebringinggenuinejoytopeople’sdailylives.Mealtimes alsogiveindividualsasenseofautonomy,purpose,and belonging,creatingaplacewheretheycancelebrateeach otherandtheirculture.Ultimately,mealtimesshapethe rhythmandqualityoftheentireday,makingthemmuch morethanjustamomenttoeat.
Special Events
Tocelebratethecreativityandpassionbehind memorablediningexperiences,Suzanneasked foodserviceteamsacrossCanadatoreflectonthe question:
"What special food service events have you done in the past that were a BIG hit? Tell us."
Fromcoasttocoast,teamssharedawiderangeof successfulevents,fromholidaybanquetsand themeddinnerstoculinarycompetitionsand culturalfestivals.Thesespecialmomentsnotonly broughtresidentsandfamiliestogetherbutalso strengthenedcommunityspiritandelevatedthe diningexperienceinmeaningfulways.
Thefollowingsummaryhighlightsthemost impactfulandjoyfulfoodserviceeventssharedby communitiesnationwide,showcasinghowfood continuestobeapowerfulwaytoconnect, celebrate,andcreatelastingmemories.
Regular & Recurring Events
ThemedWeeklySpecials(appetizers, men’s/women’sbreakfastorlunch)
ThemedMeals&SpecialBuffets
Weekly&SeasonalBBQs(family,staff,patio)
Monthly
Holiday & Seasonal Events
ChristmasCelebrations:ChristmasDinner&Banquet,ChristmasPartywithWine&FoodPairing, ChristmasTea/Gala,12DaysofChristmasDesserts,TraditionalCulturalChristmasEveEvents, ChristmasWinterWonderland,FullWeekChristmasEvents,Multi-dayChristmaswithFamilies
EasterSundayMeal/ThanksgivingDinnerwithResidents&Families
Mother’sDayEvents:Brunch,LunchwithFineChina,HighTeaintheGarden
Father’sDayEvents:CarShow,BBQ,FishFry
Valentine’sDay:CandlelightDinner,PinkJuice&Heart-shapedPasta,Flowers&LootBags
Seasonal:ShroveTuesday,St.Patrick’sDayFamilyBuffet&GreenBeer,Oktoberfest
BeerCompetition,AcadianDay,HarvestDinner,Spring&FallFoodFairs,Strawberry
Social&Fest,DaffodilTea,BananaSplitDay,SpringFling
Cultural & International Events
Chinese/Lunar New Year: Banquetwith lionperformances,DimSumcarts& bamboosteamers
Indigenous Celebrations: Indigenous Dayspecialmeals,OrangeShirtDay recognition,Truth&Reconciliationevents (bisonburgers,cornroast,bonfire)
Mexican & Latin American: Cincode Mayowithfood&entertainment,Taco Tuesday
Black History Month Celebration
French/Canadian: FestivaldeVoyageur
Hawaiian Events: Luauwithroastpig &dancing,Hawaiian-themedmeals
Mardi Gras: Foodandparade
Caribbean: Jerkfest(chicken,pork,fish)
Western/Regional Themes:
WesternMenuDay(BBQ,hashbrowns, applefritters),WesternThemeFamily Night,Beavertails
Asian & Filipino: FilipinoFoodEvent, Asianfeaturemenu
Around the World Themes: Culinary tours,travel-themedmenus& programming,TasteofHome(resident involvement),Nationalcuisinedays
Cultural & Diversity Celebrations: Celebrationsofdiversity/culture,cultural eventswithtraditionaldishes,costumes, entertainment
Special Theme Events
Fairs & Carnivals: Fairevents,fallfair, carnivaldays/games/eats,dunktank,ring toss,popcornstands,hotdogs,pettingzoos
Competitions & Challenges: IronChef, chefcookingcontestwithresidentvoting, pizzacontest/class/party,pastacontest
Themed Food Days: FriedEggFriday, BurgerDay,BLTDay,PancakeBreakfast, BreakfastforLunchorSupper
Seafood Events: Lobster supper/dinner/rolls,shrimp Alfredo/cocktails,perchfry,surf&turf
Seasonal & Local Produce: Strawberry season,blueberryseason,fiddleheads, local-themedfoods
Breakfast & Snack Specials: Chuckwagon breakfast,homemadedonuts,icecream cart/social/truckday,makeyourown sundaes,milkshake/smoothieday
Baking & Decorating: Cakedecorating, cookiedecorating,gingerbreadhouses, bakesales,bakingclasses&groupbaking
Casual & Fun: Moviepopcorn,soupina jarfundraiser
Carving & Stations: Primeribcarving station,pastastation
Outdoor & Seasonal Events: Stampede party,beachday,picnics,camping/retreat withs’mores,pettingzoo,carshowwith BBQanddonations,fishingtrip
Food Truck & Vendor Events: Foodtruck days,variousfoodtruckevents& roadshows,chiptrucks,vendorssampling events,farmersmarket,foodfairs& festivals(internationaltastetests)
Continued
Entertainment & Social Nights: Concerts/concertnights,summerBBQ concerts,livebandwithBBQ,circus&food trucks,pettingzooevents,travelogue,movie popcornnights,quiznights,Christmasopen house,fireplaceevents,Vegasnight,colour contests
Potlucks & Themed Meals: Potluck“Tasteof theWorld,”generalpotlucks,holidayspecial meals,holiday5-starevents,residentchoice meals,taste&toursfornewresidents
Recreation & Collaboration: Recreation activitieskeepingresidentsinvolved,weekly recreationmeetingsforthememealcreation, collaborationwithrecreationanddietary departments,“EveryMealaSuccess”initiative
Health & Sustainability: Healthyliving events,sustainabilityfairs
Takeout & Community Meals: TimHorton’s day&drive-through,SwissChaletdinner, takeoutdays/meals(fanfavorites),earlybird dinners(communityinvites),non-profitcafé forlow-incomeseniors
Staff & Volunteer Appreciation: Staff appreciationbarbecues,stafflunch,staff holidaymeal,volunteerappreciationday (charcuterieboards)
Milestones & Anniversaries: Anniversary events,birthdayparties,DiamondClub(95+ years),homemilestones(e.g.,25th anniversarywithdecadethemes)
Resident & Community Engagement:
Residentcouncilmeetings(foodprocurement intro),foodserviceweek,nutritionmonth, nationalfooddayrecognitions
Supportive Dining Programs: Diningwith dignity(pureedmealsmatchingspecial meals),campretreats
Fine Dining & Bistro Experiences:
Fancybistroservice,finediningevents, elevateddinners(quarterly),chef’stable (monthly,limitedseating),chef’sclub (monthly),formaldinners&buffets, restaurant-styleserviceandmonthly themedrestaurantexperiences,formal5coursedinnerswithwine
Specialty Tea Events: Highteaparties (includingMother’sDay),daffodiltea, creamroll/Frenchcuisineevents
Wine & Beverage Tastings:
Weeklywinetastings(Canadianwine), cheese&winenights,cocktail/mocktail hours,happyhours
Pub & Themed Nights: Pubnights (with/withoutbeer),casinonightwith appetizersanddrinks
Family Involvement Events
Family Meals & Dining: Familydining room,familyintegratedmeals,family-style seating,resident&familyseasonalmeals, familybanquets,familyChristmasdinner (finedining),invitingfamiliesto Thanksgivingandanniversaryevents (BBQ,foodstations)
Family Gatherings & Activities: Family funnights(BBQ,games,pettingzoo), familydayswithinvitationstoeventsand meals,promnight(decorations,music, ticketed),recentmemorialservice
Special Resident Involvement: Men’s& women’sbreakfasts,TasteofHome
Maximizing CHOICES
Tobetterunderstandhowcommunitiesacross Canadaareenhancingresidentsatisfaction throughdining,Suzanneasked:
"How do you maximize and provide daily meal and beverage choices at your community? Explain."
Fromcoasttocoast,theresponsesreceived highlightthecreativity,dedication,and innovationbeingusedeverydaytodeliver personalized,meaningful,andflexibledining experiences.Thefollowingsummarycaptures thediverseideas,programs,andeventsthat showcasehowfoodservicesteamsacrossthe countryarenourishingmorethanjust appetites.
• Menu Variety and Choice: Multiplemenu options(2-4+choices)includingalacarte, rotating(3-4weekcycles),seasonalmenus, alwaysavailableitems,plusbuild-your-own saladandsandwichbars.
• Special Programs and Carts: SuzyQ,rolling breakfast,dessert,snack,nourishment,and hydrationcarts;beveragestations(coffee, juice,Keurig);24/7bistroandfood availability.
• Themed and Cultural Events: Resident recipefeatures,internationalfoodthemes (Chinese,SouthAsian,Italian,Mexican,etc.), monthlythemedmeals,holidayspecials, nationalfooddays,andfuneventslikeSilly FoodDay.
• Resident Input and Personalization: Residentcouncils,feedbackmeetings, preferenceforms,dietarycards,food committees,tastetesting,familyfeedback, bedsideordering(paper/app),andelectronic menusystems(MealSuite,roomserviceapps).
• Service Innovations: Roomserviceandmealvisits, visualaidslikemealpicturesandTVmenudisplays, postedmenus(digitalandpaper),point choices,pre-shiftpreferencetalks,pre beverages,take-outandgrab-and
• Accessibility and Flexibility: No assignedseatingorfixedmeal times,anytimemealservice, fingerfoods,dietary accommodations,bedsidespoken menus,transformingleftovers intosnacks,familydiningrooms, andguestswelcome.
• Beverage and Snack Options: Multiplefluid choices(4+),flavored waters,specialtyteasand coffees,icecreamselections includingpremiumbrands, fruitbaskets,condiment caddies,andself-serve snack/beveragestations.
• Additional Features: Vendortradeshows, qualitycontrolandmeal audits,decentralized fridgesinhouseholds, commentcards,educational condimentsignage,mixand-matchmealoptions, andfocusonliberalization
Celebrate. Customize. Delight.
Elevate every occasion with curated menus for special moments in healthcare and senior living. Whetheryou’recelebratingaholiday,milestone,orcommunityevent,SyscoHealthcare&Senior Living’sSpecialEventMenusmakeiteasytoimpress withoutoverburdeningstaff.Ourcurated selectionsspaneleganthorsd’oeuvrestocomfortinghot-and-coldfare,helpingyoucraftmenusthat reflectyourresidents’tastesanddietaryneeds.Withflexibleoptions,seasonalvariety,andtrusted Syscoquality,youcancreatememorablemealsthatbringpeopletogether.
Did you know?
TheSyscoNutrition Servicesteamoffersa fullcollectionofSpecial EventMenuPackages designedtomakeplanning memorableoccasions effortlessforyour Healthcare&SeniorLiving foodserviceoperations!
Menu Inspiration? LOOKING FOR
Checkoutthe Sysco Menu,releasedtwiceayear,forfreshideasandcreativeconcepts.Youcanalso leveragethe Sysco Also Available Menu tobringevenmorevarietyandexcitementtoyour community!ContactyourSyscoRepresentativetodaytoaccessthesevaluable resourcesandelevateyourfoodserviceofferings.
Best Practices
Togaininsightintohowfoodserviceteamsmaintaintheirknowledgeof industrybestpractices,Suzanneposedthequestion:
“How does your team stay current with the latest standards and innovations? What resources do you rely on most?”
Theresponsesrevealavarietyofstrategiesandtrustedtoolsteamsacrossthe countryusetostayinformed,continuouslyimprove,anddelivertop-quality diningexperiences.Fromprofessionalorganizationstotrainingsessions, technologyplatforms,andpeernetworks,thefollowinglisthighlightsthekey resourcesteamsturntoforongoingeducationandexcellenceinservice.
• Professional Organizations & Certifications:
o CanadianSocietyofNutritionManagement(CSNM)
o DietitiansofCanada
o PracticeBasedEvidenceinNutrition(PEN)
o PioneerNetworkDiningStandards
o AdvantAgeOntario
o OntarioSocietyofNutritionProfessionalsinPublicHealth(OSNAC)
o OntarioRetirementCommunitiesAssociation(ORCA)
o AccreditationCanada
o BestPracticeSpotlightOrganizations(BPSO)
o AlbertaContinuingCareAssociation(ACCA)
o NewBrunswickAssociationofNursingHomesInc.
o Regroupementquébécoisdesrésidences pouraînés(RQRA)
o FoodHandlerCertifications
• Compliance & Standards: MinistryofLongTermCareandprovincialhealthauthority standards,IDDSIandCanadaFoodGuide guidelines,policyandprocedurereviews, riskmanagementaudits,healthandsafety inspections,MinistryofHealthupdates, recallnotifications.
• Education & Training: Monthlyin-service sessions,staffworkshops,texturemodification andthickenedfluidstraining,onlinelearning platforms(PineappleAcademy,Relias,Surge), externalspeakers,quarterlyhealthandsafety education,staffeducationsurveysandquizzes, ongoingprofessionaldevelopment.
• Conferences, Trade Shows & Networking: Industryconferences,tradeshows,Syscoevents, nursinghomeassociationmeetings,leadership conferences,sitevisitsandshadowing, networkingwithpeersandindustry professionals.
• Team Meetings & Collaboration: Dailypre-and post-shiftmeetings,weeklyandmonthlyteam andhospitalitymeetings,foodcommittees,circle ofcareandmultidisciplinarymeetings,working groups,regionalmeetings,collaborationwith nursing,medicalstaff,andcorporatedietitians.
• Menu Planning & Nutrition: SyscoSynergyTech Suite/MealSuite,Dietitian-approvedmenus, bedsideordering,coordinatedmenusacross sites,recipedevelopmentandtesting,nutritional standardsreview,malnutritiontaskforce involvement,texturemodificationanddietary restrictioncompliance,environmentalgoals(e.g., reducingbeef),menuchangesbasedonfeedback.
• Staff Engagement & Culture: Open-door communicationpolicies,sharingsuccessstories andkudos,staffempowerment,highlighting skillsandpride,kindnessandrespectculture, staffinputonmenuchanges,bestpractice training,maintainingpositiveteammorale.
• Digital Tools & Platforms: MealSuite,Synergy MenuManagement,SyscoSynergywebsite, WorkVivo,StaffNet,LinkedIn,Facebookfor recipes,communicationapps,community calendars,SuzyQcarts.
• External Support & Partnerships: Sysco NutritionServices,corporatefoodmanagersand consultants,corporatechefs,SeasonsCare,intern programs,collaborationwithexternalpartners andvendors.
Resident Feedback
Togaininsightintohowcommunitiesstayconnectedtoresidentdiningexperiences,Suzanneasked: “What effective methods do you use to gather timely feedback on meal satisfaction from staff, residents, patients, and families—beyond traditional resident council meetings?”
Acrossthecountry,foodserviceteamsshareda varietyofcreativeandpracticalapproaches thatensurevoicesareheardquicklyand continuously.Frominformalcheck-insto innovativetechnologyandfamilyengagement strategies,theseresponseshighlighthow communitiesprioritizeresponsive,real-time feedbacktoimprovediningsatisfactionand enhancetheoverallexperience.
Thefollowingsummaryshowcasesthese diversestrategies,reflectingacommitmentto listening,adapting,andfosteringaculture wheremealenjoymentandsatisfactionare alwaystopofmind.
• Direct Communication: Speakingwith residentsduring/aftermeals,leaderandchef rounds,one-on-oneconversationswith residentsandfamilies,staffhuddles,care conferences.
• Surveys and Feedback Forms: Resident/familysatisfactionsurveys(various frequencies),commentcards,suggestion boxes,digitalsurveys(tablets,QRcodes, SurveyMonkey),“happyface”visualofa mealfeedbacktool(cardordigital), complaintandcomplimentformswithtimely follow-up.
• Observation and Audits: Foodandplate wasteaudits,mealandtrayreviews,pointof-serviceandleadershipaudits.
• Structured Meetings: Residentandfamily councils,foodcommittees,townhalls, multidisciplinaryteammeetings,enhanced diningcommittee,monthlyresident-family meetings.
• Operational Engagement: Cooks/chefs minglingandservingresidents,staffdining withresidents,openkitchenaccess,menu boardpresentations,fulfillingresident requests.
• Feedback Channels: Open-doorpolicies, designatedphonelines,email communication,real-timetextfeedbackfrom staff,informalword-of-mouthfeedback.
For More? HUNGRY
ExploretheNutritionServicesNourishedAging EducationalToolkits avarietyofresourcescovering topicsrelevanttoHealthcareandSeniorLiving.From innovativenutritionstrategiestopracticalfoodservice tips,thesetoolkitsaredesignedtoinform,inspire,and helpyourteamdeliverexceptionalcare.
Select a cover to view the full toolkit.
Positive Changes
Tounderstandtherecentimprovementsinfood servicequality,Suzanneposedthequestion:
“What positive changes have you made in the quality of food service in the past year?”
Theanswershighlightavarietyof improvementsthatteamsacrossthecountry havemadetoenhancediningexperiences. Frommenuupdatesandstafftrainingto processchangesandresident-focusedefforts, thissummaryshowcasesthekeystepstakento boostqualityandsatisfaction.
Menu and Food Preparation
• Cookmostlyfromscratchusingfresh,local, seasonalingredientsandproduce
• Developstandardized,rotatingmenuswith regularupdatesandresidentrecipeinput
• Offeralacarteandalways-availablemenu options,trialnewrecipesandcooking methods
• Batchcookandpreparefoodcloser toservicetomaintainquality andtemperature
Equipment and Technology
• Upgradekitchenequipment(smokers, ovens,warmingstations,SuzyQcarts)
• Usetechnologyfororderingandmeal management(POSsystems, Synergy/MealSuite)
• Ensureequipmentmaintenanceand maximizeusageefficiency
Dining Experience Enhancement
• Userelationship-centereddining,remove barriers(plexiglass),focusonplatingand presentation
• Offerspecial/themedinners,bistro-style meals,beveragecarts,dessertcarts,soup carts,SuzyQcardtandflexiblemealtimes
• Providefamily-friendlymealoptionsand relaxedserviceenvironments
Staff Development and Culture
• Hireskilledculinarystaffandprovide ongoingcheftrainingandworkshops
• Promotepositiveworkculturewith managementinvolvement,fairwages,and prideinfoodprep
• Engagestaffindiningwithresidentsand residentcouncilmeetings
Resident Engagement and Feedback
• Usefoodcommittees,tastepanels,surveys, anddirectdiningtablefeedback
• Conductmealrounds,foodwasteaudits, andlisteningsessionstorespondto residentinput
• Involveresidentsingardeningandcooking classes
• Bringinavendorandhostatastepanelof newproductstogatherfeedbackfrom residents
Specialized Dietary and Texture Considerations
• FollowIDDSIstandardsandprovide appropriatetextureoptionsandthickened fluids
• Considerdietaryrestrictionscarefully, removingunnecessarylimitations,and ensurechefsampling
Sustainability and Quality
• FollowIDDSIstandardsandprovide appropriatetextureoptionsandthickened fluids
• Considerdietaryrestrictionscarefully, removingunnecessarylimitations,and ensurechefsampling
Special Initiatives
• Offerspecialtycoffeeandteaservicesand culturallydiversemenuslike"Tasteof Nations"
• Hostthemedmealdays,fooddemos,and createsenior-friendlyvisitordiningoptions
• Removemedicationsfrommealtimesand promoteoutdoorgardenparticipation
Resident PARTICIPATION
Toexplorehowcommunitiesactivelyinvolve residentsintheirfoodservice,Suzanneasked:
“What ways do you bring ‘resident participation’ into your food service (both inside and outside of meal times)?”
Theresponsesrevealdiverseandmeaningful approachesteamsacrossthecountryusetoengage residents fromhands-oninvolvementinmenu planningandcookingactivitiestofeedbacksessions andgardenprojects.Thissummaryhighlightshow residentparticipationenrichesdiningexperiences, fostersconnection,andsupportsasenseof community.
Direct Resident Participation
• Cooking,baking,andfoodprepactivities(e.g., peelingvegetables,makingpizza,dumplings,pies, springrolls,cabbagerolls)
• Gardening,cornhusking,berrypicking,and producepreparation
• Residentshelpingotherresidentsduringmeals
Menu Input and Feedback
• Residenttastetests,surveys,votingonmenu items,andtastingpanels
• Recipesubmissionsandresidentcookbook creation
• "FoodforThought"meetings,residentcouncils, andsuggestionboxes
Cooking Demonstrations and Education
• Chef-ledcookingdemonstrations,classes,and monthlykitchentours
• Foodeducationsessions,includingmodified texturepreparation
Community and Special Events
• Themeddiningdays,holidaymeal preparations,culinarycompetitions, andvendorfoodshows
• Resident-ledeventssuchas breakfastclubsandpizza-making days
Resident-Led Initiatives
• Resident-runcafesortuckshops
• Residentsselectingmealsofthe monthandcookingspecialmealsfor staff
Garden and Local Food Programs
• Residentgardensandherbgrowing programsincorporatedintomeal planning
• Residenttripsforproducepicking andappleharvestingfordesserts
Puree Meals
Tounderstandhowcommunitiesmaintaindignityinservingtexture-modifieddiets,Suzanneasked: “How do you bring dignity to texture-modified diets without resorting to the typical ‘3 scoop special’ approach?”
Theresponsesshowcaseavarietyofthoughtfulandrespectfulstrategiesteamsacrossthecountryuse toenhancethepresentationandenjoymentofpureemeals,ensuringresidentsreceivenourishing, appealingfoodthathonourstheirpreferencesandneeds.
Core Principles
• Focusonreal,high-qualityfoodwithmindfulpreparationandconsistentflavor
• Makepureedmealscloselyresembleregularmenuoptionsintasteandappearance
• Prioritizetasteandinclusiontokeepresidentsfeelingvalued
Presentation & Plating
• Usevibrantcolors,garnishes,sauces,anddividedplatestoenhancevisualappeal
• Shapepureesusingsiliconemolds,pipingbags,andlayeringtechniquestomimicregularfoods
• Keepfooditemsseparatedwithoutmixing,andserveonattractivedishwareorlippedplates
Preparation Methods
• Makepureesfromscratchon-siteusingfresh,vibrantingredients
• Pureeindividualfoodsseparatelywithproperconsistency (usingbroth,followingIDDSIguidelines)
• Layerandshapefoodstoresembletheiroriginalforms
• Prepareready-to-cookandscratchoptionstomaintainquality
Menu & Flavor
• Synchronizepureedmenuwithregularmenuoptionsand offervariety(newdailychoices,limitedrepetition)
• Enhanceflavorwithspecialsauces,seasonings,andextra flavoringasneeded
• Conducttaste-testingpanelsandprovidetrainingondignity,plating,andproperfeedingtechniques
• Educateinterdisciplinaryteamsandexplainmealitemstoresidents,showingtextureexamples duringservice
Service Considerations
• Servepureedmealsonattractivedishware,regular/lippedplatesinsteadofcontainers
• Keepresidentsdiningtogetherforsharedmeals
• ProvideadequateassistancefromPSWsanduseseparateutensilsforservice
Product Inspiration from apetito
SUPC Product
7259668 Pea Shaped Purée
7260857 Rice Pilaf Shaped Purée
7260777 Carrot Shaped Purée
7260610 Salmon Shaped Purée
7237777 Turkey Shaped Purée
7260791 Broccoli Shaped Purée
7237698 Beef Shaped Purée
Birthdays
Tolearnhowcommunitiesmakebirthday celebrationsspecialforresidentsandpatients, Suzanneasked:
“How do you celebrate a resident or patient’s birthday on their actual day? Tell us exactly what you do.”
Theanswersshowcaseavarietyofthoughtful andpersonalizedtraditionsthatteamsfrom coasttocoastusetocreatememorable moments fromspecialmealsand personalizedtreatstofestivedecorationsand communityinvolvement.Thissummary highlightsthemeaningfulwaysbirthdaysare honouredtobringjoy,recognition,anda senseofbelongingtoeachindividualontheir specialday.
Cakes & Desserts
• Individualbirthdaycakes,cupcakes,muffins, andminidesserts(includingtexturemodifiedandcustomizedoptions)with candlesforblowingout
• Monthlybirthdaycakesorgroupbirthday dessertcelebrations
• Residentsbakingordecorating cakes/cupcakes
• Sharingcakewithresidentsorfamilies, includingdeliverytoroomsorunits
• Largercelebrationsformilestonebirthdays (e.g.,100thbirthdaycakes)
Decorations
• Balloons,birthdayhats,signs,andposters (ontables,doors,walls,andcommonareas)
• Birthday-themedplacemats,napkins,and tablecloths,oftenpersonalizedwithresident namesorbirthdates
• Doorandroomdecorations, includingflowers,cards,andfestiveprops (crowns,sparklers,battery/electriccandles)
• Birthdaycardsandcertificatesdisplayedor giventoresidents,signedbyresidentsand staffmembers
Singing & Entertainment
• Singing“HappyBirthday”bystaff, leadership,orresidents(includingpiano playersorspecialentertainers)
• Themedentertainmentorgameschosenby theresident
• Specialmusicaleventsorprivate celebrationswithlivemusic
Personalization & Requests
• Askingresidentsfortheirpreferredcake flavor,meal,ordrinkontheirbirthday, havingaspecialbirthdaymenuwithoptions fortheresidenttochoosefrom
• Respectingresidents’wishesonwhetherand howtheywanttheirbirthdaycelebrated
Family & Community Involvement
• Invitingfamiliesandfriendstocelebrate withcake,balloons,andmeals
• Hostingpubnights,surpriseparties,or majormilestonecelebrationswithfamily attendance
• Involvingcommunitygroups(e.g.,Girl Guides)withhandmadecardsorgifts
• Specialvisitsfromlocalofficialsorguestsfor bigbirthdays
Cards & Recognition
• Providingindividualorsignedbirthdaycards fromleadershiporstaff
• Postingbirthdayannouncementsand certificates
Planning & Organization
• Keepingbirthdaycalendars,lists,oractivity schedules
• Communicatingbirthdaystostaffthrough huddles,stand-ups,orpostedlists
• Markingbirthdaysontrayticketsormeal servicenotes
Monthly & Special Occasions
• Monthlybirthdaypartiesorsocials celebratingallresidentswithbirthdaysthat month
• Largereventsformilestonebirthdays(80th, 90th,100th)withspecialcakesandfamily invitations
Service & Delivery
• Deliveringbirthdaycakeortreatstorooms
• Servingresidentsfirstorwithspecialmeal timing
• Usingtrayticketsorcardstohighlight birthdaymeals
Announcements & Displays
• Publiclyannouncingbirthdaysonboards, newsletters,ordisplayscreens
• Creatingbirthdaywallsormonthlybulletin displays
Extras
& Special Touches
• Birthdaygiftorgoodiebags,sashes,cups,or corsages
• Decoratingheadtablesordesignated birthdayseatingareas
• Collaboratingwithrecreation/activation programsforfloorpartiesorspecialevents
• Makingresidentsfeelhonouredand celebratedthroughouttheday
to Everyday Impact FROM INSPIRATION
Thestories,ideas,andinnovationssharedacrosstheSyscoHealthcare& SeniorLivingShows andnowwithinthisflipbook remindusofthepowerof community,connectionandcollaboration.Fromcoasttocoast,professionalslikeyou arefindingcreativewaystoenhancemealtimes,improveresidentwell caringcommunitiesthroughfood.
Theseideasaremorethanjustbestpractices theyreflectasharedpurpose:tobringdignity,joy,and nourishmenttothoseweserve,onemealatatime.Nowthatyou’veexploredtheinsightsand innovationswithinthisflipbook,weinviteyoutouseitasalaunchpad anopportunitytobringfresh energyandinspirationintoyourowncommunity.Welookforwardtoseeinghowyoumakeityour own—because when we nourish together, we thrive together.
