Dining services held a quarterly contest as an employee incentive to recognize teamwork within the department. Each team member had their name entered into a drawing each time they were recognized for demonstrating real teamwork, picking up extra shifts, performing different job positions and volunteering time to HCMCF. Two team members were then selected to attend the Spring Gordon’s food show with the ADDS, Andra Shier. Trish Kildow and Crystal Mattice were the lucky winners.
At the food show they sampled large amounts of foods and gained menu ideas for HCMCF’s upcoming Spring/Summer menus. They also attended a seminar on the M.I.N.D. diet. This is a diet that has shown to aid in brain health and lower the risks for Alzheimer’s disease.
Trish, Crystal and Andra discovered the latest trends in the food industry, such as the “veg-centric” diets where vegetables become the center of the plate. They were also introduced to the Green Jackfruit as a trending alternative for meat. The fibrous fruit has a basic flavor profile which can be seasoned to make delicious non-meat alternatives to foods like tacos or pulled pork.
Overall it was a great learning experience in which Crystal and Trish will be able to share with the rest of the dining services team as the department works as a team, enriching the lives of our seniors every day!
Honorable mentions go out to Kathy Guitar and Brenda Austin for having the most entries into the drawing. They both received gift certificates. Dining services will start a new quarter with new chances to earn an award and there is already interest in who will be the lucky winners to attend the upcoming Fall food show!
Andra Shier| Assistant Director of Dining Services | Huron County Medical Care Facility