Enhanced food experience at Barossa Village

“Using fresh, natural ingredients, we anticipate improved taste, renewed meal excitement, and a nostalgic connection to residents’ childhood memories.”

Barossa Village is among the first to commence the 12-month Maggie Beer Foundation Trainer Mentor Program, revolutionising dining and nutrition in Australian aged care. This initiative offers crucial education and training to aged care providers, chefs, and cooks, including a 5-day intensive training, menu appraisal, and monthly collaboration. Maggie Beer advocates for specialised training and support to enhance the lives of older Australians, emphasising culinary excellence and promising significant outcomes.

Aligned with the foundation’s mission, we aim to enrich our residents’ food experiences and promote mental wellbeing through exceptional meals. Hands-on sessions at Barossa Village equip participants with innovative techniques to elevate future meal deliveries.

Chef Manager Natasha Harvey highlights the positive impact on food quality and nutritional standards, showcasing initiatives to elevate the dining experience and increase resident engagement in food-related activities.

What benefits do you see from this engagement? We aim to enhance food quality and nutrition by prioritising protein and minimising additives for longevity. Additionally, we strive to create a more engaging dining experience through participation in food focus groups and meal preparation.

How does this impact our residents’ mealtime experience? Using fresh, natural ingredients, we anticipate improved taste, renewed excitement for meals, and a nostalgic connection to Barossa childhood memories. Crafting stock from scratch and avoiding powdered additives enhance authenticity.

What personal insights have you gained? Collaborating with Maggie Beer has been enriching, affirming our strengths and inspiring us to provide even better service. Notably, my baked cheesecake received praise. I’m intrigued by exploring ways to meet requests beyond standard safety standards through a Food Safety Plan.

Our involvement in the Maggie Beer Foundation sets a commendable standard for aged care facilities. As we embark on this 12-month education program, we eagerly anticipate shared learning and significant achievements, creating something special for our Residents.