Good Samaritan Society - Grand Island Village

Chef Steve finds joy in serving seniors

Steve Coffman fell in love with all aspects of food service after receiving his associate degree in culinary arts.

“I knew that this is what I was born to do,” says Steve, director of food and nutrition and executive chef at Good Samaritan Society – Grand Island Village in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Steve knew he wanted to be a chef and involved in the food industry, but with the industry being so vast, he wasn’t sure where he fit in.

After moving to Hastings, Nebraska, he found his calling – working as a sous-chef at an assisted living location.

“Little did I know that this position would change the course of my life,” says Steve. “It was a completely different experience. I had one-on-one interaction with people eating my food. The residents were so grateful and amazing, and I loved listening and talking with them after lunch. I knew this was satisfying work.”

After spending two years at the assisted living location, Steve accepted a different position elsewhere. In the back of his mind, however, he knew that nothing would bring him as much happiness as serving in a senior care environment.

Eventually, Steve returned to his first love of serving nutritious food to seniors when he landed his current role at the Society’s Grand Island Village location.  

“When I saw the job posting, I remembered the joy I got from not only serving residents, but the sense of family and friendship as well. I remembered the fulfillment I felt every day,” Steve says.

In his new role, Steve evaluates diets and nutrition for each resident at Grand Island Village. He makes sure each diet is balanced and follows strict guidelines, which means every menu is reviewed and adjusted for residents’ specific needs.

“Seniors’ metabolism and cellular breakdown is slower than younger adults. It’s important to ensure that meals are balanced and include the nutrients they need. Watching their behavior is also important; it may indicate what they are lacking in nutrition,” says Steve.