CDM, CFPP of the Month - March 2022

Name: Lauren Jarvis, CDM, CFPP

Job Title: Food Service and Nutrition Manager
 
Employer: Webb City Health and Rehab
 
Job Location: Webb City, MO
 
Years at Current Facility: 8 Years

Years in Current Position: 6 Years

CDM Since: 2018

Why did you decide to become a CDM, CFPP?

I have always had interest in nutrition and how it impacts your health. Once I started working on Long Term Care and got to see the benefits and joy provided to these residents, I fell in love with it all.

What are your main responsibilities in your current position?

My main responsibilities include: monitoring the menus, sanitation, and employees. I continue my education on policies and procedures, while monitoring weights, making schedules, UDAs/MDs. I also take inventory and order groceries while supporting my department. 

How do you organize your time at work to make sure you accomplish all your responsibilities?

I have a calendar that I keep a lot of notes in as well as daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. 

What is an example of an innovative way you have made change at your facility and how did you implement it?

During COVID-19, we went to a lot of prepackaged snacks due to sanitation and to prevent cross contamination. Now that we are starting to open back up and looking closer at raw food cost, we had to make some changes; therefore, I changed a room in our dining room to a more home-like environment. This room had a fridge with snacks, sandwiches, and desserts to give residents more options at a convenience to them. 

 

What was your first job in the foodservice industry?

I started as a waitress at a young age and I have worked in foodservice ever since. 

Who has been your biggest mentor in foodservice and how have they helped shape your career?

Both RD's that have been above me, since I've been in this position, have been wonderful advocates, but as far as my career goes, my kids have been my biggest motivators. 

What are the biggest challenges you face in your position and how do you handle them?

Vendor issues and food cost have been challenging. I order backup items and do more creative items to help make up for some of it. 

 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love my staff and seeing them take pride in their work. I love my residents and meeting their needs as best as I can. 

How do you stay up to date with current innovations and trends?

I get regular e-mails and watch webinars. I go to ANFP conferences and receive magazines. I also am a part of a few groups on Facebook and they are all very beneficial. 

How do you envision the foodservice industry changing in the next few years?

I can see a lot of changes due to the food supply challenges. I also believe it [the foodservice industry] will be going back to the basics. 

What is your advice to those just getting started in the foodservice industry?

Stay organized, stay positive, and stay consistent.