Food and Nutrition Consultant Cost Breakdown

Understanding food and nutrition consultant costs starts with knowing the scope of support your organization needs. Dietary Solutions helps healthcare and senior-care teams evaluate staffing, compliance, menu, and food-cost priorities with credentialed professionals and practical operational guidance. Explore the factors that shape consulting investment, what is typically included, and how the right partnership can support consistent care, efficient operations, and stronger dietary outcomes.

Dietitian consulting with a healthcare dietary team

Our Food and Nutrition Consultant Services

Targeted nutrition, dietary operations, and cost-control support for healthcare and institutional dining teams.

Consultant Dietitians

Credentialed dietitians provide interim or long-term clinical nutrition support, dietary assessments, care planning, documentation, kitchen audits, and regulatory guidance for healthcare and senior-care facilities.

Food Cost Consulting

Consultants review food purchasing, menu, supply, and production practices to identify cost-control opportunities while supporting compliance, nutrition requirements, and day-to-day dining operations.

Menu Systems

Customizable menu management tools support seasonal cycles, recipe files, nutrition analysis, production sheets, dietary orders, and food-cost visibility for dietary departments.

Tray Card Systems

Flexible tray-card formats use diet icons, resident images, adaptive-device details, and census reporting to help teams deliver accurate meals and support F-806 compliance.

Dietary Consulting

Nutrition and food-service professionals deliver tailored operational, clinical, compliance, and training support for hospitals, long-term care communities, and other healthcare settings.

Interim Dietary Managers

Experienced interim dietary managers maintain food-service leadership, regulatory readiness, and operational continuity during vacancies, transitions, employee leave, or staffing gaps.

Flexible Consulting Support

Invest In Support That Fits

Food and nutrition consulting costs reflect the expertise required, the engagement length, the level of on-site or remote support, and the operational goals involved. Dietary Solutions builds tailored scopes for clinical nutrition, compliance, menu management, food-cost control, and staffing needs. Every engagement is supported by credentialed professionals, facility-specific onboarding, and regional operational leadership—helping organizations focus their investment on dependable service, informed decisions, and meaningful resident or patient outcomes.

Dietitian reviewing a facility nutrition plan
Results That Matter

Client Success Stories

See how organizations strengthen nutrition operations with knowledgeable, people-first support.

"For over 15 years, Dietary Solutions has been incredibly accommodating, modifying its training and support plans to meet our specific location’s needs. On many occasions when we were in a pinch for dietitian coverage and/or in a survey crisis, Dietary Solutions has always found a way to help us through..."

Catherine C.

"I have partnered with Dietary Solutions for over 12 years now and highly recommend their professional services. Dietary Solutions consulting services have been dependable, our regulatory compliance has been outstanding, and their rates are cost effective. Kay Lakhi and Dietary Solutions have created a successful corporate culture of Authenticity, Integrity..."

Brent C.

"Dietary Solutions has been a fantastic partner for our organization. They are incredibly responsive and have gone above and beyond to meet whatever needs we have. The quality of work produced by their employees is top notch."

Jeremy L.

"Dietary Solutions has been a great asset to our Dining Services. They provide our life plan community with the best resources to elevate our resident care. Their expertise is highly recommended."

Darrell G.

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Registered Dietitians from Dietary Solutions for more than 10 years, and their service has consistently been exemplary. Their team is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also kind, compassionate, and dedicated to the individuals they serve. They bring a level..."

Shannon K.

"I started working with Dietary Solutions in late 2020 and I have consistently had a positive experience with the services and support to our facilities and to the organization. The Registered Dieticians and Dietary Technicians are well trained, knowledgeable on the skilled nursing facility industry, and customer service focused. They..."

Trish Thomas

"Dietary Solutions has given us strategic insight on our nutritional planning. There firm provides reliable support, making them a great partner for any professional food service operation."

Brian L.

"For over 15 years, Dietary Solutions has been incredibly accommodating, modifying its training and support plans to meet our specific location’s needs. On many occasions when we were in a pinch for dietitian coverage and/or in a survey crisis, Dietary Solutions has always found a way to help us through..."

Catherine C.

"I have partnered with Dietary Solutions for over 12 years now and highly recommend their professional services. Dietary Solutions consulting services have been dependable, our regulatory compliance has been outstanding, and their rates are cost effective. Kay Lakhi and Dietary Solutions have created a successful corporate culture of Authenticity, Integrity..."

Brent C.

"Dietary Solutions has been a fantastic partner for our organization. They are incredibly responsive and have gone above and beyond to meet whatever needs we have. The quality of work produced by their employees is top notch."

Jeremy L.

"Dietary Solutions has been a great asset to our Dining Services. They provide our life plan community with the best resources to elevate our resident care. Their expertise is highly recommended."

Darrell G.

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Registered Dietitians from Dietary Solutions for more than 10 years, and their service has consistently been exemplary. Their team is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also kind, compassionate, and dedicated to the individuals they serve. They bring a level..."

Shannon K.

"I started working with Dietary Solutions in late 2020 and I have consistently had a positive experience with the services and support to our facilities and to the organization. The Registered Dieticians and Dietary Technicians are well trained, knowledgeable on the skilled nursing facility industry, and customer service focused. They..."

Trish Thomas

"Dietary Solutions has given us strategic insight on our nutritional planning. There firm provides reliable support, making them a great partner for any professional food service operation."

Brian L.

"For over 15 years, Dietary Solutions has been incredibly accommodating, modifying its training and support plans to meet our specific location’s needs. On many occasions when we were in a pinch for dietitian coverage and/or in a survey crisis, Dietary Solutions has always found a way to help us through..."

Catherine C.

"I have partnered with Dietary Solutions for over 12 years now and highly recommend their professional services. Dietary Solutions consulting services have been dependable, our regulatory compliance has been outstanding, and their rates are cost effective. Kay Lakhi and Dietary Solutions have created a successful corporate culture of Authenticity, Integrity..."

Brent C.

"Dietary Solutions has been a fantastic partner for our organization. They are incredibly responsive and have gone above and beyond to meet whatever needs we have. The quality of work produced by their employees is top notch."

Jeremy L.

"Dietary Solutions has been a great asset to our Dining Services. They provide our life plan community with the best resources to elevate our resident care. Their expertise is highly recommended."

Darrell G.

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Registered Dietitians from Dietary Solutions for more than 10 years, and their service has consistently been exemplary. Their team is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also kind, compassionate, and dedicated to the individuals they serve. They bring a level..."

Shannon K.

"I started working with Dietary Solutions in late 2020 and I have consistently had a positive experience with the services and support to our facilities and to the organization. The Registered Dieticians and Dietary Technicians are well trained, knowledgeable on the skilled nursing facility industry, and customer service focused. They..."

Trish Thomas

"Dietary Solutions has given us strategic insight on our nutritional planning. There firm provides reliable support, making them a great partner for any professional food service operation."

Brian L.
The Dietary Solutions Difference

Why Choose Dietary Solutions?

Experienced support designed around the realities of nutrition and food-service operations.

Deep Experience

Over 30 years of consulting and staffing experience informs practical, facility-focused nutrition solutions.

Credentialed Support

Professionals are credential-verified, background-checked, evaluated, and trained in client-specific protocols before placement.

Operational Leadership

Regional Directors provide mentorship and facility support beyond the consultant’s on-site hours.

Always Available

Twenty-four-seven support helps facilities address urgent nutrition, compliance, and operational concerns promptly.

Meet the Dietary Solutions Team

Experienced leaders focused on practical nutrition and dietary support.

Portrait of Kay Lakhi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Kay Lakhi

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Kay Lakhi is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dietary Solutions, bringing 25 years of dedicated experience as a community leader and wellness advocate. Her career has centered on advancing health and wellness services aimed at the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases, giving her deep insight into the challenges facing healthcare and long-term care organizations nationwide. As the visionary behind Dietary Solutions, Kay has built a people-first organization that connects skilled nutrition professionals with facilities across the country. Her leadership reflects a genuine commitment to improving patient and resident outcomes through personalized, compassionate care solutions. Kay's passion for wellness and her decades of community engagement continue to shape the company's mission of delivering real solutions and results that matter to every client and partner organization she serves.

Portrait of Ashwin Lakhi, Vice President of Security and Infrastructure

Ashwin Lakhi

Vice President of Security & Infrastructure

Ashwin Lakhi serves as Vice President of Security & Infrastructure at Dietary Solutions, where he oversees critical projects that support the organization's continued growth and operational stability. He applies innovative project management techniques and cross-collaboration strategies to enhance business efficiency across the company's nationwide network. His work ensures that Dietary Solutions maintains the infrastructure and security necessary to reliably serve healthcare, senior-care, and community nutrition clients across the United States. Ashwin's strategic approach to organizational development helps the company scale its services while maintaining high standards of operational integrity. His contributions are integral to the company's ability to deliver consistent, dependable support to the facilities and professionals it partners with every day.

Portrait of Melissa Baumbach, Vice President of Operations

Melissa Baumbach

Vice President of Operations

Melissa Baumbach is the Vice President of Operations at Dietary Solutions, leading customer service initiatives and personalized nutrition strategies for organizations nationwide. She brings specialized expertise in regulatory compliance, nutritional excellence, dining program development, and food cost management. Melissa is also well-versed in QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement) and PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model), making her an invaluable resource for healthcare and long-term care facilities navigating complex regulatory environments. Her operational leadership ensures that clients receive tailored, effective nutrition and food service solutions that align with both compliance requirements and resident satisfaction goals. Melissa's commitment to operational excellence and her deep understanding of the industry's regulatory landscape make her a trusted partner for organizations seeking to improve their nutrition and dining programs.

Portrait of Denise Fedorek, Regional Director of Operations

Denise Fedorek

Regional Director of Operations

Denise Fedorek serves as a Regional Director of Operations for Dietary Solutions, bringing extensive experience as a nutrition and dietetics professional. Her background spans clinical nutrition, food service management, cost control, training, education, menu development, and gerontological nutrition. Denise plays a key role in providing regional leadership, mentorship, and facility-level support to organizations across the country, helping them maintain compliance while optimizing their nutrition and food service operations. Her comprehensive expertise allows her to address the diverse needs of skilled nursing centers, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings that rely on Dietary Solutions for consulting and staffing support. Denise's dedication to gerontological nutrition and resident-centered care reflects the company's core mission of delivering real solutions and meaningful results for every client she supports.

Portrait of Chauntel Horaney, Director of Human Resources

Chauntel Horaney

Director of Human Resources

Chauntel Horaney is the Director of Human Resources at Dietary Solutions, where she leads talent acquisition, onboarding, training, and professional development initiatives for the company's nationwide team. As a Certified Human Resources professional, she brings specialized expertise in organizational processes and employee experience, ensuring that Dietary Solutions attracts and retains top nutrition and dietary professionals. Chauntel's focus on building strong organizational foundations supports the company's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality staffing and consulting services to healthcare and community organizations across the United States. Her commitment to fostering a positive employee experience helps maintain the people-first culture that defines Dietary Solutions, ensuring that every team member is well-equipped to serve clients with professionalism and care.

Portrait of Marcy Cook, Regional Director of Operations

Marcy Cook

Regional Director of Operations

Marcy Cook serves as a Regional Director of Operations at Dietary Solutions, bringing extensive experience as a dietetics and post-acute care leader. She specializes in supporting regulatory compliance, client service, and professional education, all while prioritizing the health and well-being of residents and patients. Marcy's regional leadership provides essential mentorship and facility-level support to organizations across her service area, helping them navigate the complexities of nutrition and food service management in post-acute care settings. Her dedication to combining clinical expertise with operational excellence ensures that client facilities receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs. Marcy's contributions align closely with Dietary Solutions' mission of delivering real, people-first solutions that produce meaningful results for the communities and organizations she serves.

Portrait of Dawn Howard, Regional Director of Operations

Dawn Howard

Regional Director of Operations

Dawn Howard is a Regional Director of Operations at Dietary Solutions, bringing valuable experience as a nutrition and dietetics professional with a strong background in clinical nutrition and food service management. Her work is centered on gerontological nutrition and resident care, making her particularly well-suited to support skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities across her region. Dawn provides critical regional leadership, mentorship, and operational support to help client organizations maintain compliance and deliver optimal nutrition outcomes for the residents and patients they serve. Her focus on resident-centered care reflects Dietary Solutions' broader commitment to empathy, collaboration, and authenticity in every service engagement, ensuring that facilities receive knowledgeable, compassionate support tailored to their specific operational and clinical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What affects the cost of a food and nutrition consultant?

Consulting cost is typically shaped by the type of expertise required, the size and complexity of the organization, engagement duration, and whether support is interim, ongoing, on-site, or remote. Clinical assessments, regulatory preparation, menu development, food-cost analysis, and staffing coverage can each require different levels of professional time. A clear scope helps align the investment with operational and nutrition priorities.

What services are usually included in food and nutrition consulting?

Do consultant dietitians help with regulatory compliance?

Can a consultant help reduce food-service costs?

How long does a nutrition consulting engagement last?

Are Dietary Solutions professionals credentialed and screened?

Can consulting be combined with interim dietary staffing?

How do we get an estimate for nutrition consulting services?

Questions About Your Consulting Needs?

Speak with our team about a tailored nutrition support scope.

Nationwide Service Coverage

Supporting healthcare and senior-care organizations with nutrition expertise and operational guidance across the United States.

Nationwide United States

Service Area

24/7 Available

Support Access

30+ Years

Experience

Need Support for Your Facility?

Tell us about your dietary and nutrition priorities.

Credentialed Expertise

Awards and Recognition

Gerontological nutrition specialist certification

Gerontological Nutrition Specialist

Specialized expertise for aging populations

Nutrition support credential certification

Nutrition Support Credential

Advanced clinical nutrition support knowledge

ServSafe certification

ServSafe Certification

Food safety trained service experts

Build a Smarter Nutrition Support Plan

Share your facility’s goals and challenges. Our team will help identify an appropriate consulting or staffing approach.

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