Dietary

HEINZERLING MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
LOCAL WELLNESS POLICY
(per participation in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program)

The mission of the Heinzerling Community is to provide a loving and nurturing environment that enriches the development, education and quality of life of individuals with severe or profound developmental disabilities.
To accomplish these goals:

  • Child Nutrition Programs comply with federal, state, and local requirements. The National School Lunch and Breakfast Program is accessible to all eligible residents.
  • Nutrition education is integrated into the residents’ programs via nutrition care plans prepared by full time Registered Clinical Dietitians.    Care staff is in-serviced during orientation and at team meetings on basic nutrition to promote healthy eating habits.
  • Nutritional information and menus are written by a Registered Dietitian who maintains up to date credentials and licensing as required.
  • Nutritional information is available and healthy eating habits promoted by menu planning and substitution within each resident’s dietary requirements.   Staff has access to counseling on residents’ food concerns by registered dietitians and through charted information.
  • Physical activity is integrated throughout the day and encouraged by implementation of individual therapy and programming goals. Safe exercise equipment as well as secure outside recreation is available and integrated into the day’s routine when part of the IP.
  • Support for the health of all residents is demonstrated through medical monitoring and, when deemed necessary, by health screenings and clinic visits provided by credentialed personnel.
  • The Heinzerling Memorial Foundation’s local wellness policy goals are planned and implemented to improve nutrition and physical activity in a safe and secure environment. Periodic measurement of wellness policy objectives is completed as part of quarterly and annual assessments.
  • Food providers will take every measure to ensure that residents’ access to foods and beverages meets federal, state, and local laws and guidelines.   Food providers will offer a variety of age appropriate healthy food and beverage selections.
  • Nutrition information for products offered residents is readily available on recipes and analyzed menus.
  • Vending machines are off limits to all residents on the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs during breakfast and lunch hours, and only available if defined as part of a resident’s program.
  • Residents are provided with ample eating space and at least 20 minutes to eat breakfast and lunch from the time the resident is seated.
  • Lunch is scheduled as near to the middle of the day as possible with outside recreation available before meals whenever possible as specified in programming goals.
  • Meal delivery is scheduled as close to meal service as possible.
  • Dining areas are clean and neat with ample space to accommodate all residents’ physical needs.
  • Drinking water is available for residents at meals.
  • Food is not used as a reward or a punishment for resident behaviors, unless it is detailed in a resident’s individual treatment plan.
  • The Child Nutrition Program will ensure that all residents have access to the varied nutritious foods they need to stay healthy and learn well.
  • The Heinzerling Memorial Foundation employs a Food Service Director who is a Registered, licensed dietitian according to policy and who is in compliance with current professional standards to administer the Food Service Program and satisfy reporting requirements. The Food Service Director will monitor compliance of Wellness Policy.
  • All Food Service Personnel shall have adequate training in Food Service Operations.
  • All foods made available at the Heinzerling Memorial Foundation comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are implemented to prevent food illness.
  • For the safety and security of the food and facility, access to the Food Service Operations is limited to Food Service Staff and authorized personnel only.

For more information about our dietary department contact:

Lois Parker, RD, LD
Heinzerling Memorial Foundation
614-272-8888
lparker@heinzerling.org

Samantha Hettlinger, RD, LD
Heinzerling Developmental Center
614-272-2000
shettlinger@heinzerling.org

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