Why do assisted living facilities show beautiful brochures that they serve nutritional meals and then serve otherwise?

I was lucky, my Dad enjoyed every one of his meals at his Independent Living and later Assisted Living [same complex, same chef].   I even had some meals there, and they were good.... but then again I hate to cook so anything someone else makes is always good :)

Also makes me wonder what kind of meals my elderly Mom was serving to Dad at the time when they were still living at home [in their 90's].   Dad never complained, or would dare to complain.

The biggest complaint that I hear is bland flavor at meals. This likely due to the health department demanding low salt, low fat and limited sugar. My MIL carried her own balsamic salad dressing. Yes it was bad for her, but it made her happy.

They should be under required guidelines. Well, they are in my state. They are subject to inspections and investigate violations. I'd look into that if you think there is something wrong going on.

Summer, usually the chef and kitchen help are sub-contractors, thus they bid out their services.   It could be when the photos were taken that chef was on-site, but now maybe the facility went with a lower bidder thus the newer chef wants to do his/her meals.   Thus it would be too costly to have the brochures updated with current food pictures.  Just a thought.

Gershun, your hubby is so right, "compliments to the photographer".   A photographer could make fried liver look good :)

The answer to that is quite obvious. Advertising. Period. My Hubs always says when we go to a restaurant where the food is nowhere near as good as it looked in the menu pictures...."my compliments to the photographer"