8.1 Pleasurable Dining

Pleasurable dining is an initiative introduced to food service by a working paper for the long-term care action group titled “Best Practices for Nutrition, Food Service and Dining in Long Term Care Homes [PDF].”

Pleasurable dining is a holistic approach to food service that acknowledges that the dining experience can influence client’s psychological, mental well-being and social well-being as well as their physical nutrition status. Noted in the introduction to the paper, the authors realize that “the ability to eat independently is a basic component of self-worth” (Dietitians of Canada, 2019, p. 5).

The goal of pleasurable dining is to support clients’ rights, safety, security, comfort, choice and autonomy. Pleasurable dining should promote a relaxed environment where clients feel comfortable, are encouraged to eat independently, engage in conversation and enjoy their meal.