Texture modification, specialized diets and allergies – these are all taught as part of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Health Care Cook program.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority approached Sask Polytech about the need for more cooks with specialized training for health care settings including hospitals, long-term care homes, personal care homes and private care facilities.

Program head for both the Food & Nutrition Management and the Health Care Cook program, Leanne McFarland, says their certificate program is the result.

She explains that texture modification is finding nutritious options for those who have difficulty chewing or swallowing and adds that it’s more than just blending up a regular meal. McFarland emphasizes it has to be nutritious and palatable.

Sask Polytech has also incorporated Indigenous and multi-cultural foods into their education, and a regional and cultural foods course talks specifically about the history of Indigenous foods in Saskatchewan and how food can be used as medicine, while working towards reconciliation.

The 3-week Health Care Cook program is offered in Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.

There are also virtual opportunities for SHA employees to upgrade their skills while still working in their home communities.