2022 NFEF Award Recipient

Vinson Hall Retirement Community has earned the NFEF’s 2022 Foodservice Department of the Year Award. VHRC, located in McLean, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., is a life plan community that offers independent living plus long-term care for seniors. 

Effective communication is essential to the success of the daily operations at VHRC. The dining team’s practical style of communication starts with “first impressions.” Bishal Pandey, CDM, CFPP says that whether it be on the telephone, in-person, making deliveries, sharing a smile, or simply making direct eye contact, all interactions play a crucial part and have long-lasting impressions. 

Knowing residents by name and their dining preferences is key to having an enjoyable stay at VHRC. The dining services team prides themselves on creating good tasting food and providing a memorable experience for their residents. The pandemic has taken a toll on the senior living population, and VHRC’s dining services team has gone beyond, not only doing their part, but has kept residents informed and provided support, good food, and friendship. 

The dining services team is focused on the “Mind, Body, and Spirit” of every single person they meet. Each month, VHRC’s dietitian along with VHRC’s executive chef present an educational nutrition seminar called Eating Well=Aging Well. This seminar and cooking demo was designed to provide nutritional recommendations and smart meal options. Every morning, numerous hydration stations with seasonal, fruit-flavored water that provides full nutrition is offered to residents. 

The dining services team participates in various departmental activities and collaborates with members of the Residents Dining Committee to provide quality, resident-driven programs and activities that increase resident engagement, and dining-related assistance. These beneficial programs directly influence the high-quality services the residents deserve at Vinson Hall Retirement Community. 

When seniors are exploring retirement community options, perhaps the highest on their list is finding a facility that provides a worry and care-free lifestyle, offers a variety of services and of course, great food! VHRC allows residents to enjoy peace of mind knowing their needs will be met at each of these levels. The dining services team actively engages prospective residents by inviting them to dine in on-campus to see for themselves. 

Residents who choose Vinson Hall Retirement Community can expect several advantages over living at home through one of their many life plan community options!