Lorraine Sheppard, Claire Drum
Abstract
Aged-care facilities and schools both manage large volumes of food and people. An understanding of the influence of menu choice on the health and wellbeing of residents and school students provides the foundation for comparison. Key areas of similarity between aged-care facilities and school canteens are seen in the importance of food and socialisation, food needs, food choices and the role of dental health in food choices. The development of best practice models and guidelines will assist in menu planning and establishing the influence of food as a source of enjoyment and basis for social interaction.