Ryan Bonds is a Chef Trainer with the Maggie Beer Foundation, delivering national training programs that support aged care homes to improve food, nutrition and the dining experience for older people.
Working as part of a Department of Health and Aged Care–funded initiative, Ryan partners directly with cooks, chefs and care teams across Australia to build capability, strengthen kitchen practices, and embed sustainable improvements in food service.
With a career shaped by international experience and hands-on roles in diverse and often challenging environments, Ryan brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to training. He is known for helping teams translate best practice into everyday kitchen realities; improving workflow, consistency and confidence.
Ryan is a strong advocate for person-centred dining. He works with teams to better connect kitchen, care and dining staff, recognising that clear communication and shared processes are critical to delivering meals that reflect individual preferences, cultural needs and clinical requirements.
Through his work with the Foundation’s education programs, Ryan supports aged care teams to deliver food that is not only nutritious, but delicious, enhancing quality of life for older Australians.
Overcoming Technology Barriers to Improve Food Experience and Nutrition for Older People
Precis
Aged care kitchens face rising compliance demands but often rely on low-tech, paper-based systems and staff with limited digital confidence. Through national training, the Maggie Beer Foundation has identified digital literacy as a major barrier—but also a major opportunity.
This session shares practical ways technology is being integrated into kitchens, from food safety software and digital ordering to programmable equipment and simple tools like recipe calculators and nutrition analysis. It also outlines effective supports—mobile-first learning, step‑by‑step guides, and hands‑on assistance—that help cooks and chefs build confidence.
By embedding technology into everyday training, aged care kitchens can lift food quality, efficiency, and compliance while empowering staff to adopt digital tools that improve resident outcomes.