Foodservice emergency preparedness in Canadian long-term care

Abstract

Introduction: Food provision is vital for meeting the daily nutritional needs of long-term care (LTC) home residents and ensuring nutrition continuity during emergencies, such as natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks. These events can disrupt foodservice operations in distinct ways, increasing vulnerability and potentially compromising the overall resilience of the home. Therefore, assessing Canadian LTC foodservice preparedness is essential to safeguard residents’ nutritional health and mitigate operational burdens during emergencies. Objectives: This exploratory and descriptive study assessed self-reported emergency preparedness procedures and operational practices among a multi-provincial sample of Canadian LTC foodservice professionals during natural disasters and outbreaks. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among LTC foodservice professionals across Canada. The 55-question survey explored respondent demographics, facility characteristics, previous emergency experiences, and components of preparedness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 84 participants were included. Most respondents reported having emergency measures in place, such as contingency menus and staff guidelines. Staffing shortages and the need for menu modifications were common challenges in both scenarios, while natural disasters introduced unique barriers like food supply shortages and utility disruptions. Outbreak training for staff was provided by 62% of respondents, compared to 52% for natural disasters, and 71% rated their operations as prepared for outbreaks versus 63% for natural disasters. Having a plan for outbreaks was associated with providing emergency training to staff (p = 0.003) and perceived preparedness (p = 0.043). Conclusion: While participating LTC foodservice professionals indicated basic readiness for outbreaks, their reports suggested that notable gaps remain regarding natural disaster preparedness. Developing comprehensive emergency plans and implementing targeted staff training are important steps to help address these gaps, maintain nutrition continuity, and safeguard resident safety during future emergencies.