Ensuring hospital patient satisfaction is a responsibility shared by every member of the healthcare industry. In your role as a healthcare food management professional, you recognize the importance of upgrading old attitudes toward in-house dining from cafeteria settings to menu options. These five healthcare food service trends represent welcome and exciting changes across the industry.

Consumers set the pace with their evolving appetites for the latest trendy foods. All of us in the foodservice industry track their preferences and make our predictions for the year. Let’s narrow that focus to one season with a look at fall food trends for 2019.

You know you can do it. You just need a plan. Figuring out how to reduce food waste at home is easier than you think. Start by considering this startling statistic: Each one of us throws away almost 1 pound of food every day.

They’re versatile, nutritious and add delicious sophistication to every type of salad. With a slightly sweet flavor from crisp outer leaves to tender core, Romaine enjoys an almost royal status among produce. Premium romaine hearts lettuce earns its place on tables around the globe, and it’s a staple that belongs in your commercial kitchen.

If it’s not vegetarian and it’s not vegan, what exactly is veggie-centric food? It’s a trend that’s earning a well-deserved permanent place on menus across the country. Veggie-centric cuisine caters to consumer tastes, holds down food costs and presents a fresh palette for culinary inspiration. From culture-crossing Portobello appetizers to entrees starring baby iceberg lettuce, the veggie-centric movement is picking up delicious momentum.

The elderly represent a steadily expanding segment of the U.S. population. While they’re not traditionally thought of as dining connoisseurs,those who live in senior homes and assisted living facilities are increasingly being treated to quality, veggie-centric fare.

Your interest in the delivery-only restaurant model makes smart business sense. Consumer demand for meal delivery is expected to grow 12 percent annually over the next five years. The numbers add up to a virtual restaurant trend that goes beyond traditional carry-out or pizza sales.

No one has to tell you that country club management faces new challenges every year. Whether you direct general operations or oversee food and beverage, the dining room is still one of your best assets for keeping country club members happy. We offer these eight ideas to incorporate into your plans for upgrading membership experience and growing new revenue.