The latest issue of S.O. Connected is now available in the AHF Member Resource Library. Explore the intersection of quality, strategic investment, and operational efficiency in this latest issue, The Cost of Quality: Investing in People, Capital, and Operational Excellence. Filled with insights and practical guidance, this issue helps healthcare foodservice and senior dining operators navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare, manage rising costs, and strategically invest in their teams and technology.
Featured Articles
Maximizing Impact: GPOs, Supply Chain, and Inflation
As healthcare organizations face a post-pandemic landscape marked by persistent supply chain disruptions, inflation, and talent shortages, operators are presented with unique challenges and opportunities to drive efficiency without compromising quality. This article explores actionable strategies for reducing foodservice subsidies and managing purchasing at the ingredient level to contain costs, offering critical insights for financial resilience amid a dynamic market.
Best Practices for Planning, Purchasing, and Maintaining Foodservice Capital Equipment in Healthcare
Part two of our Technology Feature takes a deep dive into the essentials of capital equipment budgeting and management. Building on our previous issue’s guide to creating a Smart Kitchen, this article outlines best practices for equipment replacement to ensure long-term operational value, efficiency, and sustainability, taking cues from “Smart Money” management strategies in corporate America to maximize asset value and maintain service consistency.
Expanded Content for Deeper Understanding
The Hidden Price Tag
As healthcare foodservice professionals, we know the challenges of staff turnover all too well. This persistent issue affects operations, budgets, and, most importantly, the quality of care we provide. In this article, we explore the true cost of turnover and practical strategies to boost staff engagement and retention in healthcare foodservice, senior dining, and hospitality.
Food Insecurity Impact: A Call to Action
In a country where food insecurity remains a paradox alongside economic growth, AHF members share real-world efforts to address hunger, such as The Community Farm Project of Community Hospital Anderson, which has expanded from a small garden to a robust 3.5-acre farm.
Food Cost Control
Strengthening food cost control can yield meaningful benefits, from increased cash flow to funding new initiatives. Discover how savvy operators are using these practices to drive both sustainability and savings in their operations.
AHF Financial Resources & Tools
It’s (Always) Budget Season! Leverage AHF’s suite of financial resources to track, report, and optimize your performance, ensuring you’re equipped with the tools you need to meet and exceed budget goals.
AHF Benchmarking: Comprehensive Insights
AHF’s annual benchmarking reports, alongside monthly benchmarking data, give members a clear view of key performance metrics and emerging trends within self-operated healthcare foodservice and senior dining. Get the complete picture for informed decision-making and long-term strategic planning.
Celebrating Team Members: An AHF Membership Committee Special Feature
Recognizing the hard work and dedication of our Food and Nutrition Services teams is essential. See how members across the country recognize their dedicated teams, share creative appreciation practices, and spark new ideas for honoring Food and Nutrition Services professionals.
Special Features and Recognitions
2024 AHF Culinary Competition Recipes and National Awards Highlight
This issue celebrates the outstanding achievements from the 2024 AHF Culinary Competition, where talented teams showcased their culinary creativity and skill. The competition not only highlighted innovative dishes but also emphasized the importance of exceptional dining experiences in healthcare. In addition, we honor the recipients of the AHF Industry Awards, recognizing individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the field. Explore featured recipes from the competition and discover the inspiring stories behind our award winners!
2024 National Conference Recap
Reflecting on the new connections made, knowledge shared, and innovations discussed, this 2024 AHF National Conference brought together industry leaders from across the country, reinforcing our commitment to leading the way in self-operated healthcare foodservice, senior dining, and hospitality. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the only conference exclusively for self-operators in the industry; make plans to join us in New Orleans, August 21-23, 2025! AHFConference.org/future-ahf-conferences.
Chapter Updates and Key Industry Profiles
Get to know the individuals shaping AHF’s mission, including Chef Erik Schunk and Rob Burkart, in our “People Who Make AHF Work” feature, along with essential updates from AHF Chapters nationwide.
Members – Download Your Copy Today!
Whether you’re focused on enhancing team engagement, refining cost control practices, or leveraging industry benchmarks, this issue of S.O. Connected offers essential insights to help you lead with confidence in today’s healthcare foodservice environment. Download your copy today to stay ahead with the latest best practices and expert advice! HealthcareFoodservice.org/Library.
Not a Member of AHF?
If you are not currently a member of AHF, we gladly welcome all self-operated healthcare foodservice and senior dining operations and the business partners who support them. Visit HealthcareFoodservice.org/Be-A-Member to learn more.
