Minister Calandra announced that the Ontario government is investing over $40 million in additional nutritional support funding for long-term care homes so residents can receive more individualized food choices, more fresh produce and local foods in season, and additional menu flexibility.
In addition to providing a 15 per cent funding increase for nutritional support to homes, the government is adopting new regulations under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 that will further increase quality of life and care for residents.
Once they come into effect on April 11, 2022, long-term care homes will be required to deliver:
- Menu planning flexibility that better reflects the needs of the residents such as speciality diets and menu substitutions that have consistent nutritional value;
- Menus that are approved by a registered dietitian in addition to residents’ preferences;
- Menus that provide a variety of foods every day, including fresh produce and local foods in season;
- More flexibility for each home to increase menu choices for residents and reduce food waste; and
- Meals and snacks at times that are chosen with support from the home’s Residents’ Council and its administrator.
News Release: