Strong food and nutrition programs are essential to residents’ health, satisfaction, dignity, and quality of life. To support providers in strengthening these efforts, the AHCA Education: Optimizing Excellence in Food & Nutrition Toolkit is now available.
This toolkit highlights practical strategies and resources designed to help facilities optimize foodservice operations and enhance the dining experience for residents.
The toolkit is organized into four key sections:
- Regulatory & Food Safety Compliance – Guidance on maintaining compliance with federal regulations and food safety standards to support safe, high-quality meal service.
- Workflow Optimization – Strategies to improve kitchen operations, staffing efficiency, and foodservice workflows.
- Menu Design & Resident Engagement – Approaches to creating appealing, nutritious menus while incorporating resident preferences and feedback.
- Reducing Processed Foods & Enhancing Scratch Cooking – Practical steps to increase the use of fresh ingredients and scratch cooking to improve meal quality and nutrition.
Registration is free to AHCA/NCAL members.