How much extra food supply should a facility maintain in storage?

Maintaining an extra supply of food is crucial for nursing facilities to ensure they can adequately meet the dietary needs of residents, especially during emergencies or disruptions in supply chains. Keeping three extra days of food in storage provides a reasonable balance between preparedness and waste prevention. During this timeframe, a facility can effectively respond to short-term emergencies, such as delivery delays or unexpected increase in resident numbers, without the risk of food spoilage associated with longer storage periods. This practice aligns with recommendations from health and safety regulations, which emphasize the importance of being prepared while still considering food safety standards.