Last updated on June 15th, 2023
In 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to be 88.5 million. And these seniors will be different than generations past. The residents who will enter your community over the next few decades will have higher expectations when it comes to food service. They’ll be healthier, more active, better traveled, and more food-savvy than ever before, and your dining team will need to meet those expectations.
But, keeping up with what the next generation wants, emerging technologies, and general food service trends while maintaining current operations can be difficult. That’s why many senior living communities choose to outsource their dining programs to food service management companies. According to one survey, 35.7% of senior living communities said that they outsource dining/food services.
Determining which company you want to outsource your dining program to shouldn’t be a quick decision. There are a few factors you need to evaluate before signing a new contract. We recommend asking your potential food service vendors the following five questions to find out if they’re a good fit for your community.
1. What size is your company?
Start with this question to determine if the company will have enough resources to work closely with your team. If a food service management company is too big, they might not be able to provide the one-on-one attention you need. You may never even meet your area manager in-person. Plus, a lot of bigger companies that do food service management also offer laundry, janitorial, and construction services.
We recommend finding a smaller food service provider that is focused exclusively on healthcare dining so they can provide the expertise and attention your community deserves. A smaller food service management company like Culinary Services Group can also give you better access to key people within the organization. Your area manager and other important team members will be available for you whenever you need them.
2. What staff members do you provide?
Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to know which staff members your team will be responsible for and which employees the food service management company will provide. This usually depends on the type of contract you sign (more on that below!). A good food service management company will have a wide network of talent and help your community find, train, and retain the right people.
Find out if the vendor you’re evaluating provides dietitians and clinical resources to support your residents. And don’t be afraid to ask how they vet and support employees. For example, Culinary Services Group ensures staff members meet federal and state regulations, complete a comprehensive onboarding program, and have opportunities to continue education, develop, and grow.
Watch the video below to learn more about how we provide the best talent to the communities we work with:
3. What technology do you use to improve operations?
The right technology can help your team work smarter for your residents. There have been a lot of advances in food service technology, and you want to make sure whichever vendor you choose is keeping up. Culinary Services Group has started using an advanced, specialized menu and nutritional tracking software. This gives our team the ability to ensure each meal meets core nutrition parameters to support residents. Menus are analyzed daily to include the right balance of nutrients to provide balanced nutritional support to communities.
The right technology will help your staff save time, be better prepared for emergencies, save money, and better engage your residents in mealtime.
4. What types of contracts do you offer?
For this question, you’re trying to determine if the vendor only offers full-service contracts, management, and procurement only contracts, or both. A company that offers both will be more likely to customize a plan for your community’s unique needs. For example, Culinary Services Group offers both types of service contracts and can recommend the best option for you based on our assessment of your food service needs.
With a Management & Procurement Only contract, we provide onsite management personnel to manage the day to day operations of your food service department and oversee hourly kitchen staff. This may include a Food Service Director, Chef Manager, and Registered Dietitian. We’re responsible for all wages, taxes, and benefits associated with these employees, and we agree to abide by your community’s pre-employment requirements and policies (like background checks and physicals). The benefit of this type of contract is that your community can keep your own hourly workers, diet aides, cooks, and more on staff. Also, if you have union workers, you can still outsource your dining program through this type of contract.
For a full-service contract, the food service management company will most likely provide all onsite management personnel and hourly employees. Management roles often include a Food Service Director, Chef Manager, and Registered Dietitian. These roles oversee your hourly kitchen staff including diet aides, utility workers, servers, and cooks. The management company will typically be responsible for all wages, taxes, and benefits associated with these employees. They also are responsible for ordering and maintaining all raw food ingredients and creating menus that are both enjoyable and nutritious.
5. Who are your food producers?
The vendor’s answer to this question will show you whether they focus on fresh, local foods or not. Farm-to-table food from local producers is becoming more common across senior living communities. Farm-to-table programs help you contribute to your local economy while providing residents with fresher foods. Culinary Services Group prides itself on creating menus with fresh, high-quality ingredients that are locally-sourced as often as possible.
The Right Company Will Help You and Your Residents Thrive
By asking these questions, you’ll hopefully find the right food service management company for your senior living community. If you’d like to learn more about working with Culinary Services Group, contact us here. We offer the benefits of outsourcing while still allowing your dining program to feel like a self-operation.
We believe that your dining program can and should be a differentiator for your community. Meals are an exceptionally important part of daily life for your residents, and their families value knowing that their loved one is eating well. We can partner with you to provide assistance on how to market your dining program, ensuring your community continues to thrive.
