RFBI wins international award for innovation in aged care dining

• RFBI News

Sonia Lim 17 Apr 2026

RFBI has been recognised on the international stage, winning in the Food & Nutrition category at the Ageing Asia 14th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2026.

The award recognises a 12-week trial at RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village that aimed to improve the dining experience for residents by giving them more choice, flexibility and independence.

The trial introduced two new food technologies—SpeedX (on-demand cooking) and Evereo (a hot-holding system)—to provide faster, more personalised meal options. It involved 41 residents and 23 staff and delivered strong results.

Residents had more choice at mealtimes, with options increasing from four meals to nearly six on average each day. Satisfaction scores also improved, rising from 7.22 to 8.17. At the same time, food waste was reduced by more than half, and the number of hot meal options grew from four to ten through menus designed with resident input.

These improvements were achieved at a very low cost, with each additional choice costing just 4–9 cents, and without increasing staff workload.

Residents said the new approach made dining more enjoyable and flexible, while staff noticed greater engagement and a more positive atmosphere in the dining room.

The trial also supports new national aged care standards focused on giving residents more choice and independence in their daily lives.

This international recognition reflects RFBI’s ongoing commitment to practical, person-centred care. It highlights the innovation and teamwork across dining, lifestyle and operations, and the organisation’s focus on improving everyday experiences for residents.

RFBI thanks and congratulates everyone involved in this award-winning initiative—an achievement the whole organisation can be proud of.