Exciting Enhancements at Tomah VA Nutrition & Food Services: World-Class Room Service Arrives!

There is a fresh wave of innovation and hospitality sweeping through Tomah VA, as Nutrition & Food Services transforms the Veteran dining experience. At every turn, details have been meticulously crafted with Veteran-centered care in mind—from stylish new uniforms for staff to a custom chef’s table that sets the stage for personalized meals. 

The entire atmosphere buzzes with enthusiasm as the team unveils Room Service, a groundbreaking program designed to deliver choice, convenience, and quality directly to Veterans’ rooms. Carmen Honnef, Chief of Nutrition and Food Services, shares the heart behind these enhancements, “Numerous amounts of thought, planning, and training staff has gone into an elevated and personalized dining experience for our Veterans. Staff had intensive hands-on training from experienced vendors who have launched similar programs at over 20 other VA medical centers.” 

Empowering Staff and Personalizing Meals

A positive early morning huddle kicked off the staff’s first day, setting an energizing tone before team members dove into learning new workstations and mastering the use of the state-of-the-art, custom chef’s table. These upgrades empower staff to craft meals tailored uniquely to each Veteran’s order. 

Following a morning huddle that set a positive and energizing tone, the first official Room Service breakfast was proudly served on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ushering in a new standard of care and convenience as friendly staff delivered meals with a smile. 

Room Service Delivers Lasting Benefits 

“With the launch of Room Service, Veterans can now order their favorite meals online or by phone, choosing from a wide variety of options—all from the comfort of their rooms,” said Carmen Honnef, Chief of Nutrition and Food Services. “Each meal is cooked fresh to order, ensuring superior quality and taste, while dietary needs are carefully monitored. Even visiting guests can join in and order meals for a shared dining experience.”

Room Service at Tomah VA brings a multitude of benefits. Veterans enjoy greater choice and flexibility, circling their preferred options or ordering with ease by phone or online. Meals are always fresh and nutritious, cooked as soon as orders arrive. The made-to-order approach not only reduces food waste, supporting sustainability, but also streamlines the delivery process—boosting employee morale and freeing up nursing staff to focus on patient care. Most importantly, these personalized choices lead to improved nutritional intake and satisfaction. 

Innovation Drives Continuous Improvement 

Continuing the wave of innovation, Veterans can now scan a barcode on their menu to provide instant feedback, empowering the team to continually refine and enhance services. Driven by dedication, boundless enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, the Tomah VA Nutrition & Food Services team is setting a new benchmark in Veteran care. Every meal is now a personalized experience—served with pride, compassion, and a steadfast focus on making every Veteran feel special. The team cannot wait to serve Veterans in this exciting new way, turning every meal into a moment of genuine care and connection.