In the world of senior living, every meal matters. Not just for the nutrition and enjoyment it provides our residents, but for the impact it has on the environment and the local communities in which we operate. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the remarkable food waste reduction success story from Uniting Arrunga NSW, where innovative technology and dedicated leadership have delivered exceptional results over the past year.
A Technology-Driven Approach to Sustainability
Last year, Uniting Arrunga NSW implemented LeanPath’s cutting-edge food waste tracking system. This innovative technology allows kitchen teams to accurately measure, track, and analyse food waste in real-time, providing valuable insights that drive meaningful change.
The results speak for themselves: over the course of one year, the site has achieved an impressive 52% reduction in food waste while maintaining the same quality and variety of menu offerings that residents love.
Leadership Makes the Difference
Behind every successful initiative is strong leadership, and Uniting Arrunga NSW has found that in Unit Manager Mulumbet. Her commitment to championing this program has been instrumental in creating a culture of sustainability and mindful food management throughout the facility.
“What impresses me most about Mulumbet’s approach is how she got the entire team on board. Achieving 95% participation doesn’t happen by accident – it takes a leader who can inspire others to embrace change. She’s been the driving force behind this success.”
Aman Marwah | National Executive Chef
Remarkable Team Participation
One of the most impressive aspects of this success story is the outstanding team engagement. With participation rates exceeding 95%, our culinary team have embraced the LeanPath system wholeheartedly. This high level of participation demonstrates that when teams understand the purpose and see the impact of their efforts, meaningful behavioral change follows naturally.
Smart Menu Management Through Data
The LeanPath system has revolutionised how the culinary team approaches menu planning and production management. By tracking which dishes tend to generate waste, the team can make informed adjustments to daily production within the menu management system.
For example, once they recognise that a particular dish consistently has high waste levels, they can use that data for better production planning. They might increase the portions of more popular options while reducing preparation of less favored dishes. The result is happier residents and significantly less waste.
This data-driven approach to menu management has not only reduced waste but has actually improved the dining experience for residents, creating a win-win outcome.
Partnership and Support
The success at Uniting Arrunga NSW hasn’t happened in isolation. The ongoing support from both internal and external Leanpath support teams, including key team members Franky and Ye, has been a critical factor in achieving these outstanding results. This partnership approach ensures that sites have the training, technical support and expertise needed to maximise the system’s impact.
Looking Forward: A Model for Success
The transformation at Uniting Arrunga NSW demonstrates what’s possible when innovative technology meets dedicated leadership and engaged team members. With a 52% reduction in food waste achieved in just one year, this site has set a new standard for sustainability in senior living.
This success story reinforces our commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining the high-quality dining experiences our residents deserve. It’s proof that sustainability and exceptional care can go hand in hand.
The journey at Uniting Arrunga NSW shows us that with the right tools, leadership, and team commitment, we can create positive change that benefits our residents, our communities, and our planet.
