Cura Hospitality is celebrating National Nutrition Month by encouraging seniors to make informed food choices, stay active, and “Discover the Power of Nutrition” through its BeWell Nutrition for the Active Adult program.
BeWell makes healthy living fun—and rewarding. Residents earn stamps on their loyalty card each time they participate in physical activity with support from Cura managers or community fitness teams. After 10 stamps, residents receive a FREE BeWell item such as smoothies, granola bars, organic superfoods, yogurt, trail mix, and fresh fruit.
“March is the perfect time to get our residents excited about exercising regularly and fueling with good nutrition,” says Michael Williams, DBA, MBD, RD, CDN, Vice President of Nutrition & Wellness for Cura. “Staying active and eating well supports independence and helps prevent disease.”To further promote hydration and healthy choices, Cura managers are encouraged to feature additional BeWell menu items and position the signature H2ahh infused‑water stations near fitness areas. Communities may also enter completed loyalty cards into quarterly drawings for wellness‑focused prizes.
The program was first piloted at Menno Haven in Chambersburg, PA—the world’s first WELL‑certified skilled nursing building. More than 58 residents participated, returning 65 loyalty cards. Healthy behaviors continued even after the pilot, with 45% of participants purchasing additional BeWell items. Sales at the About Thyme Bistro also increased by 12%, supported by menu items featuring fresh, local produce.“BeWell aligns beautifully with Menno Haven’s WELL certification,” says Jeremy Fry, Cura Executive Director of Culinary Services. “Our focus is on educating residents about smart food choices and motivating them to stay active.”
As part of Nutrition for the Active Adult, Cura communities will expand nutrition education through chef‑ and dietitian‑led demonstrations, covering topics such as eating for activity, diabetes management, and food‑as‑medicine. Residents living independently receive step‑by‑step recipes with nutritional details to recreate dishes at home.
Cura provides operators with training and a complete implementation guide—including marketing materials, rewards cards, signage content, menus, and healthy snack suggestions. “We even encourage our older adult employees to join in,” adds Williams.
BeWell’s Nutrition for the Active Adult program can be launched year‑round and is supported by Cura’s regional and wellness directors.
