The perception — and misconception — is that the food at retirement communities and similar facilities has to be bland and boring. The reality, in fact, is that the consumers who are entering this level of housing expect just as much variety as consumer market in general — and the communities are adjusting their menus as a result.

The food industry has been made out to be the bad guy as of late, with manufacturers and restaurants accused of giving Americans sugary, fatty, salty and generally unhealthy food.