Maggie Beer Foundation

No two aged care homes are the same and that’s exactly why a flexible, practical approach matters. Across the Trainer Mentor Program, we’re working with 135 homes that vary in every way, including: • Metro to very remote locations • Almost all states and territories • Small, medium and large homes • For-profit, not-for-profit and government-run services • Homes with CALD residents and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents • Homes supporting residents with high levels of cognitive impairment From busy city kitchens to small rural teams, every home brings its own strengths, challenges and community needs. Our training adapts to each setting so older people everywhere can enjoy food full of flavour and good nutrition. Explore the full findings in the evaluation report. https://lnkd.in/gzMfVgQ2 #MaggieBeerFoundation #AgedCareDining #AgeingWell

Yesterday, our Maggie Beer Foundation Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, hosted an event to celebrate the cooks and chefs of aged care. Set against the glorious backdrop of Admiralty House, Her Excellency and Maggie Beer AO spoke about the importance of good food as we age. Our CEO, Jane Mussared convened a panel featuring aged care chefs, Sue Beeforth (Cooinda, Coonabarabran), Achmed Abdullah (Charles Chambers Court, Sydney) and our own Rachel Knight. Their descriptions of what brings them joy in their roles and the difference they make through food to the lives of older people uplifted us all. Afternoon tea was a treat, demonstrating that what is fit for an aged care home is also perfect for Admiralty House! We thank the Governor General’s Executive Chef Jane Booth, and guest chefs Rachel Knight, Skye Huong (Howard Solomon, WA) and Brad Forbes (Heywood Health, Victoria) for a great spread. Her Excellency said that it takes a village to support great food in aged care homes and we were delighted to welcome representatives of many parts of that village – aged care leaders, consumer groups, government, clinicians, regulators, skills councils, chefs, donors and peak bodies. We share a mission to ensure that all older Australians have access to good food throughout their lives. Photos by Andrew Dakin #eatingwellisageingwell #MaggieBeerFoundation Jane Mussared Lesley K Woods Jemma Gonzalez (Edwards) Rachel Knight

We are looking for a Chair to join the Maggie Beer Foundation’s Board of Directors; a leader who’s ready to help drive meaningful change for older Australians. The Foundation is dedicated to uplifting the lives of older people through the joy and nourishment of good food, advocating for dignity, flavour and connection in every meal. The Chair will guide a passionate Board and CEO through the Foundation’s next chapter, strengthening its national impact and championing food as a cornerstone of healthy ageing. It’s a chance to support a mission that’s already making a difference and help elevate it even further. We’re seeking a strategic, values-led leader with board experience, strong governance acumen and the ability to build powerful partnerships across government, philanthropy and industry. Learn more and submit your expression of interest here: https://lnkd.in/gBWWz-rS

We want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate our team; your partnerships with aged care teams are already delivering truly promising results, and we’re proud of the impact you’re making.

Evaluation Confirms Measurable Improvements in Food, Skills and Resident Wellbeing in Aged Care. The Year 2 evaluation by HealthConsult Pty Ltd shows clear results — the Maggie Beer Foundation’s Improving Food in Aged Care through Education and Training program is creating real, measurable change. ✔ Better meal quality and nutrition ✔ Increased staff capability and confidence ✔ Stronger kitchen culture and collaboration ✔ Improved resident experience and wellbeing Demand continues to grow across the aged care sector, with providers recognising the value of investing in practical, skills-based training that lifts capability and elevates food services. We’re proud to be working beside aged care homes across Australia as they build sustainable food improvement outcomes for their residents and teams. 👉 Read for more details on our website. https://lnkd.in/gBKVBHHn #AgeingWell #AgedCare #ResidentWellbeing #MaggieBeerFoundation

Today, we pause to remember. On Remembrance Day, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and all who continue to serve. Across aged care homes today, stories will be shared, stories of bravery, loss, resilience, and love. Food often becomes the connector: a cup of tea after a service, biscuits baked from an old recipe, a shared meal that opens the door to memories. Lest we forget.

Training Needs Analysis Report 2025: A collaborative effort to strengthen aged care food services – full report released! Supported by the Government of South Australia and Skills SA through the Skills Shortage Solutions Grant, this project was delivered through a collaboration between TAFE SA and the Maggie Beer Foundation. The full report is now available on the Maggie Beer Foundation website and could not be more timely with the release of the draft Culinary Skills for Aged Care Food Service units of competency developed by Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA). Read it here: https://bit.ly/3XoMusI Consultation on the draft Units of Competency is now open - a significant step toward ensuring chefs and cooks are trained to deliver flavourful, high-quality meals that support dignity and wellbeing in aged care. 👉 To learn more about how you can have your say or attend the roadshow, visit: https://bit.ly/49glOBX

Last night we attended the ARIIA Networking Event hosted by Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia.    The event offered:  • A practical discussion on technology and innovation in aged care  • Opportunities to connect with others working toward better care Good ideas are valuable, but action is what makes a difference. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversations started last night.    #AgedCare #ARIIA #Collaboration #MaggieBeerFoundation  ARIIA

As part of the HomePlate Project, the Maggie Beer Foundation has begun conversations with older Australians living at home. These conversations will help us better understand how, why and what people eat at home. One question we have been asking is "How do you decide what to eat each day?" and a response we’ve heard again and again is “Whatever’s in the cupboard, and often that’s not much.” These insights remind us that food choice is deeply tied to access, confidence and connection - not just appetite. Through HomePlate, we’re listening, learning and working to understand what might support older to Australians to eat well, every day. #HomePlateProject #MaggieBeerFoundation #FoodLiteracy #HealthyAgeing #AgedCare

Texture-modified food can be just as delicious as any other meal. That’s the standard we set and recently demonstrated at the IDDSI Conference. Our chef trainers, Michael and Matt, showcased a series of texture-modified tasting dishes, proving that flavour, dignity and enjoyment should never be compromised. Attendees sampled: - Sticky Date Smoothie - Roast Carrot with Zingy Green Sauce - Apple & Miso Purée with Whipped Ricotta - A mystery tasting, Pumpkin Purée (the guesses were enthusiastic!) These tasters illustrated one of the core principles of our education programs: ➡️ Texture-modified meals must be flavour-driven, visually appealing, and deeply satisfying, not limiting. Through our State & Territory Hubs, we train chefs and cooks working in aged care to confidently create texture-modified meals that residents love. Our goal is to support teams to build a food culture that prioritises dignity, pleasure and quality. 📣 If you work in aged care food services and want to uplift texture-modified dining for your residents, keep an eye on our 2026 program dates via the Maggie Beer Foundation website: https://lnkd.in/g5f5JPmJ 📸 Photography: Joseph Byford #IDDSIConference #TextureModifiedFood #MaggieBeerFoundation Jane Mussared Lesley K Woods Matt Roman Michael Nam