Why Skilled Nursing Facilities Are Moving Away from In-House Kitchens: A Necessary Shift in Challenging Times

The landscape of skilled nursing care is undergoing significant changes. Faced with rising operational costs, particularly in food and staffing, many skilled nursing facilities are reconsidering the traditional model of running in-house kitchens. The current economic climate, compounded by inflation and labor shortages, has made it increasingly difficult for these facilities to maintain the quality of care residents need while managing costs effectively.​

The Financial Reality: Rising Costs in Food and Staffing

The economic challenges facing skilled nursing facilities are significant. According to recent industry surveys, a staggering 86% of respondents cited rising operating expenses as their top concern. Additionally, the cost of providing food and dining services has been one of the hardest-hit areas by inflation, trailing only labor costs.

As the prices of essential food items continue to rise, the ability to provide high-quality, nutritious meals has become a costly endeavor. Meanwhile, the shortage of nursing staff and the increasing reliance on expensive contract nurses have only added to the financial strain.

Nutre: Your Partner in Delivering Nutritious and Delicious Meals

In this challenging landscape, many skilled nursing facilities are finding that outsourcing their meal services to specialized providers like Nutre offers a practical solution. Here’s how Nutre can support your facility:

1. Specialized Dietary Solutions

Nutre offers a broad spectrum of dietary options, including low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb meals. Our team of expert nutritionists work closely to ensure that every meal meets the highest standards of nutrition and taste, providing your residents with the care they deserve.

2. Operational Efficiency

Running an in-house kitchen is not only labor-intensive but also increasingly costly in today’s economic climate. By partnering with Nutre, you can streamline your operations, reduce overhead, and focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional care to your residents.

3. Consistent Quality

With Nutre, you can trust that every meal served is consistent in quality and taste. Our commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that your residents enjoy nutritious meals that contribute to their overall well-being.

Navigating the Impact of Inflation on Food Costs

The ongoing inflation has made it particularly challenging for skilled nursing facilities to manage their food budgets. Rising prices for essential ingredients and the unpredictability of the supply chain have made meal planning more difficult than ever. Nutre’s expert team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of nutrition and taste, ensuring that your residents receive high-quality meals without compromising on cost. Our streamlined operations and focus on efficiency allow us to provide nutritious, delicious meals that meet your facility’s budgetary needs.

A Strategic Choice for the Future

As the skilled nursing industry continues to navigate economic pressures, the decision to move away from in-house kitchens and partner with a provider like Nutre is more than just a cost-saving measure—it’s a strategic choice for the future. Nutre is equipped to address the critical challenges of rising food and labor costs, ensuring that your facility can continue to provide top-notch care without compromising on quality.

Discover the Nutre Advantage

If your facility is struggling with rising food costs and operational challenges, it’s time to consider how Nutre can help. We are committed to supporting skilled nursing facilities by providing nutritious, delicious meals that meet the diverse needs of your residents. Explore Our Partnership Options and learn how Nutre can help your facility thrive in today’s challenging environment.