Community Outreach

Dining programs are uniquely suited to transcend operations and become the focal point for innovative approaches to community outreach. Regardless of whether your facility is a hospital, senior community or corporation, Unidine can work with you to leverage our networks, culinary skills, and knowledge of nutrition, health and wellness to support your community objectives. Here are just a few examples.

Farmers display fresh berries at this farmers market at a hospital in Grand Rapids, MI.Farmers Markets

At corporate campuses and office buildings, senior facilities and hospitals across our portfolio, we have helped to organize farmers markets that promote local economies and educate the public about food, food production and nutrition in their communities.

Community Meals Programs

Plow To Plate, the innovative not-for-profit organization based in New Milford, Connecticut, sponsors a Senior Suppers program. Every weekday, seniors in the local community can enjoy a healthy meal, educational programs and entertainment for just five dollars. The program has been so successful that reservations are required and a second seating was added.

Photos from the Gingerbread Village ChallengeCharitable Events

The Meetinghouse at Riverfront, a senior living community in Manchester, New Hampshire, sponsors an annual Gingerbread Village Challenge. Chefs from local health care facilities compete for the honor of presenting the local Salvation Army with a donation of the entry fees of the participants. 

 

Health Care Reform Modifies Community Benefit Standard

Hospital Tax-exempt Status at Risk

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the nation's new health care reform law, hospitals are required to perform a "community health needs assessment" not less frequently than every three years. They must then adopt a strategy to meet the community health needs that were identified. At risk is the hospitals' tax-exempt status.

Some hospitals seeking programs that fulfill their obligations under the law have turned to Unidine to support outreach that targets obesity, nutrition and other food related cummunity health issues.

To learn more about the benefits of leveraging your dining program to satisfy this critical provision of health care reform, call Unidine at
877-UNIDINE (864-3463) x4288 or contact us using the contact form.