Write menu for residents using ‘plain English’ to describe menu items in ways that are appealing and familiar to the demographic being catered to
A person’s prior expectations about the taste of a food can significantly impact their impression of the food and, consequently, the amount of food eaten. When the description of a dish creates positive expectations, then typically diners have a positive experience. If the title of a dish is foreign to a resident, then it will not create the same positive expectations and therefore may not be so well received. Providing a plain English description of dishes, especially those with less well-known names, may help improve resident perceptions of foods and facilitate the introduction of unfamiliar foods. Consequently, more food will be eaten, and less plate waste will be generated.
Suggested
steps for action:
- · Consider
creating an implementation plan with key staff
- · Discuss
changes with staff to ensure they understand what changes are happening and why
- · Check in
with residents to see if they have noticed a difference in the menu, and get
feedback on what they think
- Check in
with staff taking meal orders to see if they have noticed a change in their
own, and/or residents’ comprehension around what meal items are
- Monitor plate waste to determine the impact of the
intervention, recognising that the change could be small
Resources to support implementation: