< Back to previous page

Project

Limiting malnutrition and food losses in care settings (FOOD LOSS IN CARE)

Main research question/goal

Malnutrition in healthcare and nursing care settings appears to be a common occurrence. This is linked to a reduced meal experience. In addition, it is estimated that about 40% of prepared meals in the healthcare sector are thrown away as food waste. In this 2-year ILVO project Food Loss in Care, we conduct trials in order to find ways to analyse and reduce malnutrition and food loss in various residential care facilities.


Research approach

This project is now finished. We selected 2 residential care centers (RCC) in Flanders where we scientifically collected nutritional data in 13 departments, based on in-depth interviews with focus groups, surveys and measurements of the types of food waste. The statistical processing of this data thus exposed the precise bottlenecks per RCC. We then worked out improvement actions, which were tested and evaluated on the basis of new measurements. We also designed and implemented suitable (digital) tools and built a mobile measurement setup.


Relevance/Valorisation

By disseminating the scientifically substantiated findings, we expect that the successful improvement processes concerning less malnutrition and reduced food loss can be followed in more residential care homes throughout Flanders.

Date:1 Apr 2021 →  31 Mar 2023