Making the case for low-touch, sanitary coffee brewing

Sponsored by Smucker Away from Home

Nationally recognized brands, consistent brewing methods and ample customization options make a people-pleasing coffee program in healthcare. But now, with operators in the thick of COVID-19, an additional attribute is required—a visible commitment to sanitation.

Despite all of the disruptions of the pandemic, most healthcare facility dining services departments are still serving their patron base. A recent Datassential report found that only 6 percent of healthcare facilities have closed completely for the time being. A third (28 percent) are open for business in all respects, including dine-in, and two-thirds (66 percent) have stopped dine-in service but continue to offer takeout and/or delivery. ¹

Providing long-term care (LTC) residents and acute care patients with familiar coffee brands in a safe, sanitary and transparent way gives them peace of mind as well as a comforting cup of java. They deserve both in these stressful times.

In fact, in a recent survey of LTC dining directors by Food Management, three out of four (76 percent) dining directors agreed that an upgraded coffee program enhances customer satisfaction by making coffee a more enjoyable experience for residents.²

But to satisfy the demand for coffee, which is always a high priority, operators must find alternative ways to serve residents, patients and staff while maintaining new safety protocols. Here are the key principles of a coffee program that is safe as well as satisfying.

Safe and Sanitary
Obviously, keeping everyone on the premises safe from contagion is the top concern for operators today. When it comes to coffee, using a low-touch, closed coffee brewing system and maintaining a highly visible cleaning and sanitizing regimen are critical steps in this effort. These measures enhance the actual and perceived safety of the facility and demonstrate the operator’s concern for resident, patient and staff well being.

The Select Brew^® Coffee System is an on-demand coffee solution for serving fresh, high-quality hot and iced coffee one cup at a time. With just the push of a button, the system manages key brewing variables such as coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature and brew time to deliver a consistently great cup.

From a safety standpoint, it is a closed system, meaning there is no open-air exposure or chance of contaminating the coffee. This avoids the sanitation risks that might occur when employees handle the product.

Cleaning and sanitizing the unit is a breeze in 90 seconds or less without removing anything but the drip tray. Any reduction in labor is welcome at a time when staff are working harder than ever to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.

The system can also be set by the facility to lock out coffee service when a fast, easy cleaning is due. This ensures that staff stay on task in keeping coffee safe.

Yet another advantage of the system is precise temperature control, which can be set to meet regulations for sanitary coffee and eliminate the danger of excessively hot coffee.

Brand Power
Along with producing better coffee, an on-demand brewing system makes it easy for operators to offer residents and patients the high-quality, nationally recognized coffee brands that they have enjoyed at home for years.

In the LTC survey, three out of four operators (72 percent) said it is important to residents that brands they once used or preferred at home are included in LTC programs.³ The feeling of familiarity that surrounds such brands stimulates the emotional, human connections that are vital to satisfaction and a sense of well-being, especially during these stressful times.

In addition, partnering with national coffee brands may also give operators access to varied portfolios of coffee brew strengths and flavors, multiple coffee service formats, branded equipment and merchandising materials and the support of expert sales and service teams.

Variety and Customization
Operators should also keep in mind that many residents and patients in LTC and acute care facilities enjoy customizing their brew with lighteners, sweeteners and flavorings, in addition to the many who take their coffee black. And from time to time, they may also welcome the chance to try something new and different.

In fact, two out of three (63 percent) survey respondents indicate that variety in the LTC coffee program, in the form of different coffee roasts, flavors and specialty coffee beverages, is important to residents.⁴ And when LTC foodservice experts were asked to choose the single-most important coffee item on their menus, the majority cited single-serve drip coffee on demand (52 percent), followed by hot cappuccino and lattes (23 percent) and iced coffee (8 percent).⁵

For more information about the Select Brew Coffee System and Folger’s^® Coffee, including rebates, free cup offers, activities and helpful videos for LTC and acute care operators, visit Smucker Away From Home www.smuckerawayfromhome.com/HelpfromFolgers or call (877) 693-6543.

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