Using Food to Bring Whole-Person Health to Life (Part 2)

In part 1 of this series, we explored how we bring the physical, mental/emotional, social and financial dimensions of whole-person health to life through our food programming. In this part, we’ll dive into the environmental, spiritual, intellectual, and professional dimensions of whole-person health.

Food & Environmental Wellness

It’s estimated that a person makes approximately 200 food decisions each day, many of which aren’t conscious — rather, they’re due to environmental prompts. Whether at work or home, we internalize messages from our environments about how and what we should be eating.

Of course, beyond one’s personal food environment, food choices are contributing to the larger (and global) picture of environmental wellness. Foods that are grown sustainably help protect the environment for future generations.

How We Foster Environmental Wellness with Workplace Food Programs

Guckenheimer drives environmental wellness in the workplace by:

• Initiating a composting program
• Reducing food waste
• Offering plant-forward menus
• Purchasing from sustainably focused companies
• Utilizing high-efficiency kitchen equipment
• Purchasing locally
• Practicing choice architecture to help people make nutritious decisions 
• Serving mindful portion sizes

Food & Spiritual Wellness

The food we eat is often a direct reflection of our values, our traditions, and even the expression of our spiritual belief systems. Once again, food has meaning beyond being a source of calories, and employers that create inclusive food programs honoring different belief systems are helping employees bring an often-overlooked dimension of wellness into their workday.

How We Foster Spiritual Wellness with Workplace Food Programs

 We facilitate spiritual well-being through our food programming in several ways, including:

• Emphasizing inclusivity and offering dining options that align with a variety of belief systems
• Training staff to be aware of population needs
• Clearly labeling items that are vegetarian, vegan, or contain shellfish/fish, dairy, pork, or alcohol
• Acknowledging holy days, holidays, or meaningful cultural days in café spaces
• Guiding employees on how to incorporate mindfulness into the eating process

Food & Intellectual Wellness

Some foods have been shown to support cognitive function and reduce risk of neurodegenerative diseases. In fact, a recent paper found that a diet rich in whole foods helps preserve working memory as we age.

At the same time, the process of creating a meal or following a recipe, growing a garden, or otherwise engaging with food, can be an intellectual experience.

How We Foster Intellectual Wellness with Workplace Food Programs

Guckenheimer provides opportunities to pursue intellectual well-being activities by:

• Offering culinary classes
• Encouraging creativity sessions
• Creating dining experiences that engage all the senses
• Facilitating nutrition education events
• Featuring healthy fats and antioxidants to support neurological health

Food & Professional Wellness

When employees are well-nourished, they can think more clearly, stay energized throughout the workday and make better decisions, all of which contribute to their professional success. Additionally, offering opportunities for growth through wellness workshops and culinary experiences can help employees develop skills that extend beyond the dining table, fostering both personal and professional development. 

How We Foster Professional Wellness with Workplace Food Programs

Guckenheimer uses workplace food programming to enhance professional wellness by:

• Providing focus-boosting menus and snacks
• Offering team-building events
• Working with clients to create flexible dining solutions depending on specific needs

The Critical Role of Well-Being

The dimensions of whole-person health are critical components of how Guckenheimer creates memorable food experiences for our clients. By collaborating with clients to create chef-crafted menus and exceptional on-site cafes and restaurants, we deliver food programming that shapes whole-person health and the broader employee experience. 

Visit us online to learn more about how Guckenheimer’s obsession with food can benefit your organization!