Frederikshavn council moves to replace homemade meals with pre-prepared food in care homes

A majority in Frederikshavn Municipality’s Committee for the Elderly, Social Services, and Disability has proposed eliminating on-site meal preparation in nine of the city’s 12 care homes, a cost-cutting measure expected to save 2.2 million kroner annually, DR reports.

The plan, which would take effect in 2030 if approved in August budget negotiations, has drawn sharp criticism from relatives of residents. René Hansen, whose 88-year-old mother lives at Søparken care home, called the proposal “completely brainless,” citing her improved health since moving in. “Everyone knows the smell of food can make you hungry,” he said. “If they can’t follow the cooking, I fear they’ll eat less—and when appetite fades, it only goes one way.”

Marian Aagaard, regional chair of the Danish Union of Dietitians and Nutritionists, warned the change would “dramatically reduce quality of life for the elderly.” The union has formally objected to the plan, arguing that outsourcing meals would disrupt tailored nutrition for vulnerable residents, many of whom are already malnourished. “We’re baffled that they believe outsourcing will save money,” Aagaard said. “Food would still need transport, packaging, ordering, and reheating—all added costs.”

Committee chair Thomas Hjort (Danish People’s Party), who backed the proposal, insisted the focus was “organizing production, not cutting quality.” He noted that Dybvad care home, which already receives meals three times weekly, has seen no complaints. If approved, the council would tender meal contracts, with strict quality requirements. “If standards slip, we’ll intervene,” Hjort said. The plan affects only dinners; breakfasts and lunches would remain unchanged, and relatives could still use kitchens.