Thomas Cuisine is pleased to announce Food Service Director Jeffery Carpenter in Bellingham, WA has received the 2021 Dining Distinction Award from the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). This recognition measures accomplishments around hospital patient dining, nutrition, and creativity.
Thomas Cuisine District Manager Angela Hahn nominated Jeffery, recognizing his ability to consistently deliver measurable excellence within a healthcare dining setting. Jeffrey’s hands-on, respectful, and consistent leadership style aided his consideration by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) for this recognition in Dining Distinction. Since 1960, the ANFP has been the resource used by foodservice providers to further safety and education among food and nutrition professionals. This year’s awards will be presented to recipients in a formal ceremony held in Orlando, Florida during June 2021.
Highest Press Ganey Score for Overall Quality of Food
Under Jeffrey’s leadership, for the period July 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center has held the highest Press Ganey score for Food Service Overall Quality of Food in the PeaceHealth system. His patient experience scores have increased through proactive steps of measurement, such as ‘secret shopper’ programs within the café and tray assessment tools to ensure patient satisfaction.
In compliance with COVID-19 precautions, he expanded sheltered outdoor seating, extended café mealtimes, and aided in opening a free pantry for hospital caregivers who were unable to visit the grocery store. He also has enabled his team to offer special holiday programs, expand patient and café dining selections, and celebrate social holidays in the café through food and education thereof.
Plus, after learning of a local assisted living community impacted by a COVID-19 outbreak, Jeffery realized the facility would not be able to provide foodservice to their population due to sickness and fear of working conditions. With a willing staff, he provided all 54 residents and 23 caregivers with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dietary supplements for six weeks while the facility was recovering.
Congratulations to Jeffery on this much-deserved honor and for serving with passion at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and the community!
