Interested in food and nutrition? If you enjoy:
- Cooking or preparing food for others
- Providing healthy and nutritious meals
- Helping people live healthy lives as they age
- Interacting with older adults and people living with a disability
Then consider a career in long-term care food services.
This page is part of our Careers in Long-Term Care Initiative.
Explore food service careers
Videos were filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. All precautions were taken and protocols followed to ensure the safety of residents, team members, and crew, including vaccination requirements, wearing masks, filming outdoors, and distancing.
Food Service Aide/ Dietary Aide
What they do
A food service aide or dietary aide assembles food and drinks for residents according to set menus and portions, makes sure the food is safe, sets tables, serves meals and clears tables. They may also help residents eat their meals.
Learn more about what food service aides do in LTC
Education required
- Certificate
- College
Related careers
- Chef or cook
- Dietitian
- Food service manager (management)
- Nutrition service manager (management)
- Director of hospitality (management)
Cook / Chef
What they do
Chefs or cooks make meals that are healthy and that residents can eat easily. They may plan menus, buy food, and make sure they are meeting food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards. They need to pay special attention to the dietary requirements, needs, and requests of each resident, including changing the texture for residents who may have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Learn more about what chefs do in LTC.
Education required
- College
Related careers
- Food service aide
- Dietitian
- Food service manager (management)
- Nutrition service manager (management)
- Director of hospitality (management)
Dietitian
What they do
A dietitian needs to make sure that the meals for each resident are healthy and meet their nutrition needs. They assess residents and develop a tailored nutrition care plan. Dietitians approve LTC menus, provide staff education and training, and work with residents’ care team to ensure optimal health and well-being.
Learn more about what dietitians do in LTC.
Education required
- University
- Practicum/internship
- Graduate school (optional)
Related careers
- Chef or cook
- Foodservice manager (management)
- Nutrition service manager (management)
- Director of hospitality (management)
The webpage is part of the Ontario CLRI at RIA’s Careers in Long-Term Care Initiative
