LeadingAge Wisconsin's Nutritional Services Peer Networking Group gathered for their annual meeting on July 22 for an interactive and informative educational session led by Christy Edwards (RD, CD), Nutrition & Dining Strategist at Martin Bros Distributing Co, Inc., focused on food safety, cost control, and innovative ways to serve residents with swallowing disorders.

Christy introduced participants to a practical toolkit designed to help dining services teams better manage food and operational spending. The group also participated in a lively round of cost control jeopardy, where attendees explored key drivers of food costs, waste reduction, and operational efficiency while reinforcing best practices in a fun, collaborative format.

Martin Bros created an engaging hands-on learning experience by setting up multiple food safety-themed escape rooms. Working against the clock, participants collaborated in teams to solve food safety challenges, applying their knowledge while relying on teamwork and critical thinking skills.

The session also highlighted innovative products and resources to support residents who follow the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) diet. Christy showcased a variety of products and demonstrated creative approaches to preparing foods that can often be difficult to adapt for IDDSI diets. Participants had the opportunity to prepare and sample IDDSI-compliant mini chocolate cakes and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and take the products and resources Christy shared back to their nutrition and dining teams.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the meeting! We especially thank Christy Edwards, the staff at Martin Bros, and the staff at St. Joseph Residence for their contributions to the event.