Hospitals Meeting ‘Healthy’ Demand

Hospitals that are members of the National Society for Healthcare Foodservice Management report significant healthy and wellness activity, according to a recent survey.

Hospitals that are members of the National Society for Healthcare Foodservice Management report significant healthy and wellness activity, according to a recent survey.

Nearly 90% of members say they have seen an increase in the number of requests for healthy meal options in cafeterias and retail operations. More than three-quarters have switched to trans fat–free cooking oils, and more than half now provide nutrition information for non-patient customers.

"The customer, whether it's the patient or a member of their family, expects to be offered healthy foods at the hospital," says Linda Lafferty, president of HFM, director of food and nutrition services and associate professor of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

"They want to be able to make their own food choices," she adds. "Offering the nutrient composition allows them to do this."

Excerpt from FoodService Director’s January 22, 2007 issue. Reprinted with permission of Ideal Media, LLC.