b'MENU PLANNINGresidents favourite classic comfortA vegetarian entrethisConsider open meal servicedishes, offering prime cuts of meat,way you would always havehours such as breakfast from making more items from scratchsomething for those residents7:30 to 9:30 a.m.; orand enhancing special events (suchthat prefer a vegetarian wayas holiday/themed meals). If staffof eating;Set up a breakfast cart by shortages are an issue, going to onenursing station for early risers or entre choice with options availableAn Of the Day choice, e.g.,late risers. for a second choice if needed maysandwich, salad plate, omelette help decrease workload. If budgetor casserole of the day; andChange is never easy. There will be is a concern, one choice of entre,bumps or even more elephants along vegetables and starch may helpOr have always available foodthe way. Your ultimate goal may lookdecrease food waste and save moneyin the serveries, e.g., bread, PNB,different after several adaptations, overall. The new regulations allowcheese, yogurt, boiled eggs,but remember the changes to the you to have the opportunity to usesoup, etc.legislation are there to give you the your time and your moneyand offerautonomy to create a meal service choicein a way that works for yourServe one dessert and have fruit (allthat works best for your residents andunique home. You can now focus ontextures) or ice cream or a puddingyour home. So, think elephant big but quality instead of quantity. cup as the alternatethe residentsstart small, just one bite at time. LTCTwould love to be able to get ice You can also consider differentcream anytime they want!mealtimes to better utilize the precious staff resources you have. You mayFor your snack cart, have onewant to implement the occasional coldchoice (all textures) and have a continental breakfast and serve brunchfruit (all textures) available as yourCarol Donovan RD, is President instead of lunch on the weekends. Yousecond choice. Use prepackagedof Seasons Care Dietitian and your team can work on ways toshelf stable fruit cups to Network. Visit Seasons Care ensure that the Health Care Staff reduce waste.at www.seasonscare.com or have time to focus on assisting thefollow them on social media residents in the dining room versusSome timing changes you couldfor updates. Other sourcesmaking sure regulations are being met.make may be: to follow are the Ontario This is a great opportunity to slowSeniors Nutrition & Advocacy things down and to get to know yourSunday brunch; Committee and the Food and Nutrition Advisory Team. residents better.Follow them on Instagram and Continental style breakfast on Facebook and checkSo how do you eat an elephant?certain days; out their new websiteJust one bite at a time! www.osnac.com for all their Here are some tips on options youServe your big meal at lunch, timely free resources. have within these new regulations: small meal dinner;Continue with past practice if that isworking for you.Go with two entrees but just onestarchy choice and one vegetable. Go with one popular entre andoffer alternate items for those that dont like the main choice. Serve soup and sandwich together. Focus on residents food preferenceto determine if an alternative is needed for that meal.Share the main entre choice withthe residents the day prior and have them order an alternate if they dont like the main choice.Your second choice could be: www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 37'