AHF Looks Ahead to 2025 & Reflects on 2024 Successes

As we start 2025, and bid farewell to a remarkable 2024, AHF is excited to charge into 2025 with renewed commitment to leading the way in healthcare foodservice, senior dining, and hospitality. Together, we can continue to elevate our industry and achieve even greater milestones. Reflecting on this past year, we are filled with gratitude for our members unwavering dedication to advancing self-operated healthcare foodservice and senior dining. Through our members contributions we have driven the achievements and growth of our association, leaving a lasting impact on our industry. Are you with us? Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!

A Year of Growth & Change

Refreshed Brand – Renewed Focus

    • In 2024, our brand refresh solidified AHF’s position as the leader in healthcare foodservice, senior dining, and hospitality, reinforcing our #AHFandYou commitment to empowering members and driving innovation across the industry. Learn more here. https://healthcarefoodservice.org/ahf-story/

#AHF2024 National Conference in San Antonio

    • Our largest attendance, tradeshow, and successes yet! 550+ attendees, 14+ CEUs possible, 113 sponsors & exhibitors, 100s networking opportunities, and 20,000 meals donated to those in need.
    • Don’t miss out on #AHF2025, meet us in NOLA from August 21-23, 2025 to “Unite Passion, Leadership and Inspiration”. Start planning now: https://ahfconference.org/

Live & On-Demand Education

Expanded Member Network

    • 65+ new Institutional members joined the AHF Network in 2024. Expanding the collective industry knowledge and networking opportunities available to all members.
    • 350+ discussions in AHF’s online community about critical issues, daily needs, and the latest innovations
    • Brand new member center: Providing streamlined access to member profiles and resources.

Critical Member-Only Publications

    • AHF 2023 State of the Industry Report – Our critical yearly industry benchmarking report. 2024 coming soon. 
    • AHF Annual Benchmarking Express Reports – Annual reports from our Benchmarking Express program are available to operator members and thanks to our sponsors Gordon Food Service and Sysco.
    • Executive Summary – Self-Operated Food Service: Inside Advantage: a one page summary of the benefits of self-operated foodservice designed to be provided to your admins and executives.
    • Responding to a Contractor Threat Toolkit: A 3-part toolkit for operators facing outsourcing. Includes a written guide to respond, a template self-op proposal, and an executive PPT template. https://healthcarefoodservice.org/product/threat-response-toolkit/ >>>
    • Countless articles address trends, new challenges, industry changes, and so much more in our flagship publication SO Connected Magazine.
    • Check it all out! Visit the Member-Only Online Library >>>

Countless Opportunities to Connect 

    • 25+ local in-person chapter events creating location connections and innovations.
    • AHF’s chapters hosted many virtual educational opportunities and networking events throughout 2024.
    • Get to know the AHF Local Chapters >>>

And so much more…

Celebrating AHF’s 2024 Award Winners

2024 National Culinary Competition

  • Gold Medal: Wes Lieberher and Mynor Garcia, Endeavor Health
    Recipe Name: Blackened Honey & Pecan Glazed Catfish
  • Silver Medal: Brian Dixson and Brianne George, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy
    Recipe Name: Pan-Seared Venison with Blackberry-Infused Bordelaise Sauce
  • Bronze Medal: Joshua Sabedra and DeCleasha Martin, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center
    Recipe Name: Venison Rack with Herb Polenta and Golden Berry Kale Salad
  • Honorable Mention: Michael Secaur and Faith Werling, Adams Health Network
    Recipe Name: Honey Lime Chicken Thigh with Mole and Spanish Rice
  • Honorable Mention: Trina Burks and Maria Gisselle Ortiz, Bethany Children’s Health Center
    Recipe Name: Harissa-Crusted Catfish with Wheat Berry Salad and Asparagus and Red Bell Peppers
  • Recipe Download:cloudfood.us/ahf

2024 IFMA Silver Plate Award Winner

  • AHF’s Past President David Reeves, System Director for Food and Nutrition Services at Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL, won the 2024 IFMA Silver Plate for Healthcare. David was nominated by PepsiCo Foodservice. Learn more about David.

Looking Ahead to 2025

AHF has so much in store in 2025, that we couldn’t possibly outline it all here. For now, check out our upcoming opportunities and stay connected to make sure you don’t miss critical resources and opportunities.

#AHF2025 National Conference in New Orleans: Uniting Passion, Leadership, and Inspiration

  • Be sure to meet nearly 600 of your peers and colleagues in NOLA, August 21-23, 2025 for what will be the biggest, boldest Conference yet. Save the Date >>
  • Don’t miss out on the ONLY conference exclusively for self-operated healthcare foodservice, senior dining, and hospitality professionals! Join us for meticulously curated educational content, a vendor show tailored to your needs, and exciting networking events designed to connect and strengthen the self-op industry, keeping your operations resilient and contractor-proof!

     

Member Check-In Chats

  • Join us for special drop-in calls to discuss the latest challenges facing operators today. Each month, AHF hosts senior dining check-in chats along with specialty check in chats throughout the year including new member meet-ups and pediatric hospital check-ins. Learn More >>

New Live Webinars and Courses

  • AHF is planning up to offer up to 11 new webinars in 2025 and will be offering courses in our online learning center focused on specific learning domains to be viewed on-demand as your schedule allows. Join us for our January webinar, “RFP Roadmap: Your Guide to Successful Healthcare Proposals” and earn your first CEU of 2025. View Upcoming Webinars >>>
  • AHF is planning to offer up to four new 30-minute Coffee Talk live learning sessions, where Operators and Business Partners will spotlight innovative solutions, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for the rest of our community. Mark your calendar now for our first Coffee Talk of the new year: “Enhancing Patient Feedback with Touchwork” – Feb. 11, 1pm ET. View AHF’s Calendar of Events >>>

Stay Connected

Renew Your 2025 Membership!

As a reminder, if you have not yet renewed your membership, the grace period ends on January 31st and you will lose access to your AHF member benefits. Contact Membership@HealthcareFoodservice.org today if you need assistance in renewing your membership or adding additional contacts for your organization.

Here’s to a new year brimming with exciting possibilities. Thank you for being an essential part of AHF!