Body and Soul Food
March 12, 2025 | General, Health & Wellness, Kline Galland Staff, Mary Schwartz Summit
March is National Nutrition Month, a time to celebrate the role of food in our lives. Food is more than just fuel—it nourishes the body, strengthens the mind, and connects us to culture, family, and memories. As we age, our relationship with food evolves, but the importance of good nutrition stays the same. At Kline Galland, we understand that food is both a necessity and a source of joy. That’s why our approach to dining prioritizes both well-being and enjoyment, ensuring that our residents receive the nutrients they need while savoring the flavors they love.
Nearly half of all older adults are at risk for malnutrition; about 60% of seniors in hospitals are malnourished. For residents transferring to skilled nursing and rehabilitation settings, proper nutrition is essential for healing and regaining strength.
Carol White, the dietitian on Kline Galland’s Transitional Care Unit, sees this firsthand. “For residents who have been in the hospital with an acute illness, they may have been eating poorly due to side effects of medications, pain, or trouble swallowing. So, nutrition is super important to recover their strength and get back to where they were.”
Even for those not recovering from illness, good nutrition supports bone health, immune function, and energy levels, reducing the risk of falls and chronic disease.
But there are barriers to eating as we age. For example, our senses weaken, especially smell and taste. A slowing digestive system generates less saliva and stomach acid which can make it more difficult for the body to process foods. Loss of family and friends can also dampen the desire to eat.
So, food can’t just be about calories—it’s got to incorporate comfort, pleasure, and connection. Lesley Jones, the dietitian for Kline Galland’s Long Term Care and Hospice Focused Unit, shares, “Food is home—it can bring joy in life, unlock memories. After so many changes in life, the dining room is one of the last places residents can control. It’s a place of pleasure.”
This emotional connection to food is why Kline Galland embraces a liberalized dining approach, focusing on quality of life rather than rigid dietary restrictions. Instead of saying “no” to favorite foods, the focus is on encouraging eating and meeting people where they are. For the individual in the hospital, that means gently reminding them that eating will help them return home. For the resident who “sneaks in” a cheeseburger, that means celebrating the moment of joy and nourishment.
“Every person is different,” Carol explains. “There is no one way, no right way, to balance enjoyment and sustenance.” Lesley agrees and adds, “It’s about meeting people where they are at. For example, a person with diabetes can control it with food choices or insulin or both. It’s ultimately up to the resident.”
At Kline Galland, food is also a way to honor cultural and religious traditions. As a Jewish senior care provider, the community keeps a kosher kitchen, meaning there is no mixing of meat and dairy, and certain foods, such as pork and shellfish, are not served. But that doesn’t mean meals are limited—quite the opposite.
Lesley highlights the diversity of the menu. “Our menu reflects many cultures. Chef Brandon has done a great job ensuring we serve diverse dishes, such as enchiladas, Moroccan chicken, and Thai curry. Our kitchen staff even adapted the Filipino noodle dish pancit by making it with mock shrimp so that it’s kosher.”
By offering a variety of familiar and new flavors, residents can rediscover beloved dishes or explore different cuisines.
Food should be both nourishing and fulfilling. Whether supporting recovery after illness, accommodating individual preferences, or celebrating culture, Kline Galland’s dining services are designed to provide both sustenance and satisfaction. As National Nutrition Month reminds us, food is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving.
And at Kline Galland, we ensure that every meal feeds both body and soul.
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Sources: Defeat Malnutrition Today; OASH; Helpguide.org; 01/30/25 joint interview with Carol White and Lesley Jones.
