The Dietary team at North Shore Health works above and beyond to support patient and resident care through specialized meal plans, nutritious offerings, and personal touches that supporting joy.
Check out our most recent Getting to Know North Shore Health article to learn more- More Than a Meal: How the Dietary Team Supports Healing.
Getting to Know North Shore Health
More Than a Meal: How the Dietary Team Supports Healing
By: Flavia Alvarez Maldonado, Certified Dietary Manager and Certified Food Protection Manager at North Shore Health.
The Dietary Team at North Shore Health (NSH) serves a wide range of people: long- term Care Center residents, patients recovering from an injury or illness, loved ones visiting residents and patients, and the hardworking staff who support them every day. We understand that those who sit down to eat at NSH may be carrying something heavy, and that makes the care we put into each meal all the more important.
Behind each tray and every ingredient is a team working together with one purpose: making a meaningful difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Who are we?
We are currently a team of 10 hardworking, strong, fun, creative and passionate people. Our diverse personalities and perspectives are what makes us unique, with each of us adding our own “seasoning” to this well-tuned orchestra. We take pride in our work ethic and the fact that every member of this team is reliable, accountable, and respectful.
We care deeply for one another, our residents and patients, and our fellow coworkers. Some of us have served for 40 years, while others are just beginning their journey, but we all share the same goal: to help our community in a meaningful way.
A Day in the Life
Our morning cooks begin their busy day at 5:00 am, jumping straight into a fast-paced routine where every task matters. Delivering coffee, restocking supplies, preparing meals, checking temperatures and expiration dates- everything follows a timeline and every task supports patient care.
Service is more than cooking or cleaning; it is about helping others feel comfortable, cared for, and welcome. A smile, a dad joke, or a quick conversation can go a long way. We want residents, patients, and employees to enjoy the time they spend here while also creating a fun and supportive work environment.
More Than Just a Meal…
Good nutrition is the foundation of health. For those at higher risk- older adults, children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those facing food insecurity- healthy meals can make the difference between recovery and decline. Proper nutrition supports immune function, strengthens muscles and bones, improves energy levels, and promotes healing.
Our team creates personalized meal plans that honor cultural preferences, medical needs, and individual tastes. Through education, we help people understand the importance of balanced meals, hydration, and appropriate portion sizes. Above all, we offer compassionate care. Small gestures - like preparing comfort food or serving coffee in a favorite mug - can encourage eating, lift spirits, and support emotional well-being during difficult times.
Many of us spend countless hours, weeks, years at NSH. Employees work long shifts and many choose to purchase our flavorful meals. ER patients and outpatients may only be here for a few hours, but we aim to make even that brief time more comfortable by offering a hot meal, a cup of coffee, or an ice cream to a scared child. We get to know our patients, learn their preferences, and do our best to meet their needs.
For residents who call NSH home, we take special care to honor their likes and routines, building menu options around the foods they enjoy. During holidays and special events, our entire team comes together- from planning to execution- to create meaningful experiences for residents and families. Families are invited, traditions are shared, and the atmosphere becomes one of celebration and connection.
As a Dietary Manager with a background in Culinary Arts- and work experience in restaurants, special events, and even on a cruise ship- I’ve always aimed to elevate the dining and service experience. Now that our team is fully staffed and we better understand our strengths and team dynamics, I can say confidently that we’re ready to push even further. We’re focusing on more home-made cooking, baking, and special preparations like smoothies and fresh snacks for our residents and hospital patients. We’ve already been moving in this direction, and we are seeing positive trends in patients’ lab values- real improvements that reflect healthier lifestyles and better overall well-being.
I am also proud to share that we now have a menu software system that has truly strengthened our operations. With built‑in nutrient analysis, it helps us meet CMS and Minnesota Department of Health requirements, as well as the standards needed to provide meal services for Law Enforcement. The system allows us to easily customize menus for renal, diabetic, cardiac, and texture‑modified diets, ensuring each person receives meals tailored to their medical needs. It also improves efficiency by automating menu cycles, meal selection tickets, production sheets, and purchasing lists. Most importantly, it supports resident satisfaction by offering greater variety and meals aligned with their preferences, ultimately enhancing their dining experience and overall quality of life.
In a nutshell, I am incredibly proud of this team, thankful of past employees and managers in Dietary who helped us define who we are today, our supportive community, our leaders, and the NSH employees who show their commitment every day to patients and coworkers alike - people who, in many ways, become like family. By working together as a team and partnering with residents and families, we continue to create meaningful dining experiences that nourish both body and spirit.
For more information, visit: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org. Stay tuned for future informative “Getting to Know North Shore Health” articles published monthly in the Cook County News Herald.