I was quite inspired yesterday when I saw an article in the New York Times about healthy hospital food. Healthy hospital food? Yes, this term need not be an oxymoron.
You may want to take a look at the entire article as it is filled with detail and solutions (on a small level, though it’s a start) to our national health crisis. What health crisis? One-third of Americans are diabetic or pre-diabetic which in the coming years could cost our system billions of dollars, along with other diseases related to lifestyle.
Last week I discussed Mark Bittman’s proposed soda tax as a possible idea for dealing with this looming crisis. The response? Most comments were not in favor of such a tax. I want to thank all who left comments on the soda tax post –they were informative and I enjoyed the lively debate.
Today, I want to take a different approach by looking at examples of individuals and institutions that are changing our food landscape through innovation and new ideas.
Here’s a great example. More than two years ago, in the wake of dismal patient food ratings, New Milford Hospital revamped its food service operation. It also instituted an “aggressive healthy-food initiative.” Some of the changes included eliminating the cafeteria’s deep fryer, as well as no longer using canned or processed foods.
“The hospital’s food service rating soared,” said Marydale Debor, a former vice president of external affairs at New Milford Hospital and a co-founder of the web site Plow to Plate, a grass-roots effort to bring local food and agriculture to the hospital and the community. Ms. Debor also established the cafe’s daily Senior Suppers, which became so popular with senior citizens that a second sitting was added.
The program has its costs and the chef explains how he has dealt with increased costs:
Buying local is expensive and labor intensive, Mr. Gold said, so he offsets the increased cost by buying less red meat and serving low-cost alternatives: protein-rich quinoa citrus salad and portobello burgers, for example. With help from community volunteers, Mr. Gold also installed a rooftop garden.
My father works at a university hospital and growing up I used to go to work with him on the weekends, so growing up I spent my fair share of time in a hospital cafeteria. I don’t recall great offerings back then, though happily, he says things have changed, “in previous decades the choices in my hospital cafeteria were limited, now, however, there is a full array of healthy food.”
So, here’s a new topic for us to chew on: hospital food. Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the type of program the New Milford Hospital has implemented. Do you think programs such as this can have an impact around the country? Do you have other ideas? Better ideas? Let us know!
Cassi Friz says
when i gave birth to my son, i never expected to have to live in the hospital for 2 weeks. the kitchen had a vague understanding of ‘gluten-free’, but not enough to give me peace about consuming the foods.
the ordeal ended up with me living mostly on Odwalla juice for 2 weeks. i supplemented with occasional outside food, but only left the hospital 2x due to breastfeeding (and trying to maintain it, which was way harder than i ever expected without the support of hospital staff).
having fresh-made foods could revolutionize healing in our hospitals! imagine if the bodies were cared for by medicine and by giving them the tools to heal as well!
Sandra Morris says
That’s weird, good idea but weird to me because when I was in the hospital over 3 years ago for a week I got some pretty tasty food. Honestly, any time I’ve been at a hospital over the years, visiting or staying the food has always been pretty good and about as healthy as the food I would make at home! Even the broth they gave me was good.
It’s a positive step that things are going to change for the better where needed.
Robin Lutsky says
I think it’s a great idea. People in hospitals need nutrious food as well as the stressed out staff and the families who come to visit their loved ones.
Cassandra Goduti says
I have spent a couple of times in the hospital, and every time a tray comes up their is usually something I don’t like on my tray. Although the recent hospital I went to gave almost everything a la carte. I never liked the sandwiches.
Suzanne says
I love this idea of Senior Suppers! Thanks for writing about it, Elana.
Regina says
Yes hospital food can be very unhealthy. Its important for us to encourage a change. Our hospital offer a vegetarian entree and a good salad bar daily.That’s a big improvement However being a person with allergies rarely can I eat the healthy salads with spinach or large amounts of Feta cheese.But I sure let them know when I like something. I even offer recipes occasionally.
colormepink says
This is a much needed area of change. My grandmother passed away 5 years ago and we spent more than 3 weeks in the hospital with her. I was unbelievably disgusted by the choices that were available to the patients and in the cafeteria with McDonald’s only steps away outside the front door. How can people possibly get better off margarine? Shouldn’t a hospital dietician know this one thing at the very least is not food and has no business in a healthy diet? I was continually frustrated that the only healthy option was the salad bar where the lettuce mix was invariably wilted and brown. I’m terrified what would happen if I ended up in the hospital and had to rely on them to feed me. I feel I would leave in worse condition than I entered.
gwen blidner says
As my daughter was in hospital dying – I never, never let her have a hospital meal. Several doctors were amazed that I provided all the food .
I was on holiday when she visited and was rushed to have surgery – her 3 month stay – my driving back and forth daily and then returning home – she was with us for several weeks until she passed . Not one meal was from the hospital .
Meals need not be elaborate – just need to be from nature and not too processed.
On my way to the hospital for breakfast she got fresh fruit and I took 2 whole wheat – or spelt tortillas – stuffed them with either scrambled eggs or healthy cheese (not processed). She got fresh juices too.
Many easy meals can be made
|Gwen Blidner
colormepink says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure your daughter appreciated that last effort of love.
Lynne P. says
I am also sorry for your loss. Reading of your labor of love touched my heart. A few years ago my dad died of stomach cancer. In the year before he died I began cooking meals each day for my parents. (My mom has Alzheimer’s and can no longer cook.) I introduced them to the joys of REAL food. It was a bittersweet experience, as I’m sure yours was as well. Thanks for sharing.
Dana Zia says
I too am touched by your comment. Made me cry. I’m so sorry for your loss. When my mother was in the hospital 5 years ago, I fixed every meal for her too. We lived out of town and so I rented a hotel room with a kitchen to make them for her.
PAMI says
I just got out of 2 weeks in the hospital and since I am a grain free vegan it was a challenge. I ate a lot of fruit salad, lettuce salad, and steamed vegges with baked potato. That is when they could remember that corn and rice etc. were grains and that dairy and butter was animal product. I don’t recommend every having to eat in a hospital.
Gloria Gabrych says
I was in the hospital for one week… not only was the food lousy but between my diabetes and other nutritional needs there was only about 5 things on the menu I could eat! It was lousy! I was fortunate enough to have some one bring some meals from home plus they allowed me to use their refrigerator so I could put some things there like plain non fat yogurt with fresh fruit (Berries). I was told I was eating better than anyone else in the hospital! Getting home and back to my usual routine was very much appreciated!