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My mother is 90 and is vegetarian and needs Indian food.She cannot eat any food with chili or bit more salty.
Before she moved in we where told that her dietary needs will be provided. The food provided to the care home is by external catering company.
The food contains chillies and is too salty (mom takes very little salt).
All her life she has eaten pure indian vegetarian food with Curry, chapati and Daal etc.
The food is all mixed and given to her. She has requested that she prefers all separate but still the same.
The portions are also limited.
When asked for extra portion, this is not provided.There are days she has to reject the food and she will eat whatever food she has in her room.We try to take home cooked food to her 2 or 3 times a week.
We have spoken to carehome manager few times. They said that they have spoken to catering company. Carehome tells us that they are providing food as per the guideline so not much can be done.
The issue has still not been resolved despite repeated requests.Recently they asked me if WE can supply the food once a day.
In fact they have told me and my mother that we she can go to other carehome if not suitable. This week they informed me that they are trying something new for next 2 weeks.
When asked for the details, they where unable to substantiate.
I have not informed the council. I want to give carehome fair chance to resolve the issue but running out of options. It seems that they are not really interested. Its been 7 weeks still the food is a major issue. Councils review is in approximately 5 weeks. I will see what happen then.
There is also lack of her cultural needs. But this is not a show stopper.
What other options do we have?

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Here is BC we have a culturally diverse population. A few years Meals on Wheels, a meal delivery program realized they were not meeting the dietary needs of Asian and South Asian seniors. They brought in chefs from those communities to help create appropriate menu items.

Perhaps it may work better if you tackle this situation at the council level? Also get the temple to write a letter to council explaining the importance of appropriate foods. A letter from her doctor should sort out the salt issue.

Come at it from a human rights perspective.
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I think TN Techie has a very good suggestion. I just bought some canning jars on sale at Ralphs near us.Pint size, wide mouth jars. These jars are good for freezing. If you have an Instant Pot, you probably can cook up some good meals, place them in the jars, Label Jars with Moms name on it, and take some to last a week. Take fresh food over twice a week. HOw close is mom to your home or work? It would be really nice if she was near you by work or home, so you can pop in anytime you like.
They blend the food because it's easiest, and some residents may have swallowing issues. So they might clump everyone together?
Next Question: Did your mom have to have a SWALLOW TEST before entering? Are her teeth good? Has she had a stroke that may have effected her swallowing? Check her record at the facility to see if she has a choking issues.
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My father's MC agreed to microwave and serve food I prepared at home. I cooked at home and froze servings of various foods while doing all the prep work for individual servings of cantaloupe and watermelon (two of his favorites) and puddings and applesauce. I took food on Sunday afternoons and picked up the empty containers from the week before. My brother purchased fresh fruit from a grocery food bar for the later part of the week.
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In my experience in Canada the promise to cater to dietary differences is a joke, whether it is a corporate for profit, non profit or a municipal facility they cook from a set menu with 2 options and you supposedly get all your requirements fulfilled by choosing one or the other option - heaven help those who are not cognizant enough to make those choices. And I can't even imagine the impossibility for people who need special diets due to religious or health reasons...
I'm sorry.
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Have you confirmed what food is being provided from the facility or based on your mother's word? I'd just confirm that they are not providing the right food, but, if not, confront them. In my state, the food that is provided is regulated by the state and must be provided by law. Those with diabetes get certain food. I would think that those with salt restricted diet do too. Are you in the USA or another country? It sounds like the food request is simple and easy to provide. I'd insist they comply before moving her.
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