Meeting Labor Challenges at Senior Living Facilities with Turkey
Senior living foodservice operators face challenges like labor shortages and meeting residents’ expectations with high-quality and nutritious foods. Nutrition considerations are also top of mind, with 32% of operators saying they prioritize health claims as they select and order products. Finding the right solutions to satisfy and balance all these considerations is crucial for successful foodservice programs.
Serving residents delicious, nutritious meals can be difficult when the kitchen is short-staffed. One of the best ways to streamline back-of-house operations is to choose products that work in multiple recipes across dayparts, especially speed-scratch ingredients. To save labor, minimize back-of-house training and boost overall satisfaction, operators should look for products that can be used across their menu and provide the nutritious benefits their residents need for balanced diets.
Turkey medallions help save valuable prep time as they’re fully cooked and, with 10g of protein per 1 oz serving, are packed with nutritious benefits. They can be used in a variety of applications, including:
- Small plates like Pavo Gallego, with steamed baby potatoes, lemon slices and thyme, salt and pepper garnishes.
- Elevated sandwiches like the Turkey Medallion Torta, featuring an escabeche with julienned carrots and jalapeños, heirloom tomatoes and a black bean puree.
- Turkey Asparagus Cauliflower Risotto, which marries comfort and nutrition in one creamy, aromatic bowl, plus bright pops from sun-dried tomatoes and lemon juice.
Another easy way to offset shortages is to offer customization options, letting residents choose toppings, sauces or sides to suit their preferences. This strategy lets seniors enjoy more variety and make their meal their own. Turkey pairs easily with many flavor profiles, making it the perfect base ingredient to use in customizable dishes, from salads to pasta and beyond.
Even when labor is tight and expectations are high, the right products can support senior living foodservice programs and help operators create satisfying dining experiences for residents. How do you meet these challenges at your operation? Let us know on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
Source:
Healthcare Foodservice Multi Client Study, Technomic (2024)
