Within healthcare and senior living, one often overlooked yet vital department is Food and Nutrition Services (FANS). Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of individuals works tirelessly to ensure that patients, residents, colleagues, staff, and visitors receive nourishment that is not only sustenance for the body but also a source of comfort, care, and healing. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month and Volunteer Recognition Day, we would like to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who go a step further and serve as volunteer leaders, advancing quality and care in healthcare foodservice.
Within The Association for Healthcare Foodservice, there are several dedicated members whose passion for their career is matched only by their commitment to advancing self-operated healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality.
At the helm are Leisa Bryant, AHF BOD President, and Danielle Mason, IAB Chair, two individuals who not only possess extensive knowledge and experience in healthcare foodservice and senior dining, but also have a profound understanding of the unique challenges and nuances within the noncommercial foodservice sector. Along with Leisa and Danielle, the volunteer leaders who serve on the BOD, IAB, and many other AHF committees are innovators and industry leaders who are constantly seeking new ways to reinforce self-operated foodservice as the gold standard within healthcare foodservice.
What sets our volunteer leaders apart is not just their expertise but also their unwavering dedication to the well-being of others. They recognize that food is more than mere sustenance; it is a fundamental aspect of healing and comfort. With this understanding, they strive to create culinary experiences that nourish both the body and the soul, fostering an environment of healing and positivity. They then translate this concept into the development of tools and resources for AHF that nourish the wellbeing of our members and the teams they lead, whether through sessions offered at Conference or other resources available year-round on the AHF website.
Both within their organizations and within AHF, our volunteers serve as mentors, guiding the next generation of healthcare foodservice professionals. They generously share their knowledge and insights, imparting invaluable lessons learned through years of experience. In doing so, they ensure that the legacy of excellence in healthcare foodservice and senior dining continues to thrive for years to come.
To all of the volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talents to advancing the field of healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality, we extend our deepest appreciation. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed! Thank you for leading the way…
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Joining an AHF Committee: Committee terms are from January 1st to December 31st for all committees except for the Conference Planning Committee, Awards Committee, and Culinary Competition Committee which begin in October to align with conference planning timelines. Each August/September AHF puts out a call for volunteers for committees. If you are interested in joining an AHF committee next year, please visit HealthcareFoodservice.org/committees to learn more.