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Hospital Food

Posted by mickj @mickj, Feb 25, 2019

I just spent a couple of days in the Hospital (not Mayo), and it really hit me just how unhealthy the food was. For a place that's all about getting people healthy, they completely ignore one of the most vital components of health. I'll admit I'm pretty weird in that I pay an inordinate amount of attention to nutrition. But you would think that hospitals would lead in this area.

I know of at least one hospital that has gone the healthy food path, but I'm guessing the vast majority do not. Does anyone else out there think this makes any sense at all?

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JK | @contentandwell | Feb 26, 2019

@mickj When I was in my local hospital, pre-transplant, the amount of food they gave me was enormous! I don't think it was too unhealthy, but there was just too much of it. When I went into Mass General for my transplant the food was more reasonable, but it was pretty bad. I was in there for a few days after my transplant and the doctors kept asking me if everything was OK. I told one that everything but the food was OK, the food was terrible. He said, "best hospital in Boston, worst food". I would have to agree with that.
JK

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Mentor
Scott, Volunteer Mentor | @IndianaScott | Feb 27, 2019

Hello @mickj I read your note with interest! I worked for a hospital for several years as their fundraiser. We often ran reviews of care, staffing, experiences, etc. that the patients had at the hospital to help us better understand our needs. Every year -- every one -- the biggest complaint was the food! This was true of the patients, families, and visitors!

We offered healthier options, etc., and those were not liked either. What finally made the most people happy? When we rented out a space to the local McDonald's franchise owner who put in a mini shop.

I think institutional food is always a very tough area to please folks! I need only think back to my dorm food in college. Everyone complained about it, Then I visited my niece at college and the offerings, compared to what I had, were amazing and diverse....and all the kids were complaining about the food! It really made me smile!

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1 reply
mickj | @mickj | Feb 27, 2019
In reply to @IndianaScott "Hello @mickj I read your note with interest! I worked for a hospital for several years..." + (show)
@IndianaScott

Hello @mickj I read your note with interest! I worked for a hospital for several years as their fundraiser. We often ran reviews of care, staffing, experiences, etc. that the patients had at the hospital to help us better understand our needs. Every year -- every one -- the biggest complaint was the food! This was true of the patients, families, and visitors!

We offered healthier options, etc., and those were not liked either. What finally made the most people happy? When we rented out a space to the local McDonald's franchise owner who put in a mini shop.

I think institutional food is always a very tough area to please folks! I need only think back to my dorm food in college. Everyone complained about it, Then I visited my niece at college and the offerings, compared to what I had, were amazing and diverse....and all the kids were complaining about the food! It really made me smile!

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Hey @Scott. The point I was getting at is that hospitals are a place to treat ailments and improve health. But the food that's offered is actually unhealthy. It makes no sense at all. Hospitals should be leading the charge toward healthy eating. And as many have come to learn, healthy eating and great tasting are NOT mutually exclusive.

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1 reply
Mentor
Scott, Volunteer Mentor | @IndianaScott | Feb 28, 2019
In reply to @mickj "Hey @Scott. The point I was getting at is that hospitals are a place to treat..." + (show)
@mickj

Hey @Scott. The point I was getting at is that hospitals are a place to treat ailments and improve health. But the food that's offered is actually unhealthy. It makes no sense at all. Hospitals should be leading the charge toward healthy eating. And as many have come to learn, healthy eating and great tasting are NOT mutually exclusive.

Jump to this post

Hi @mickj I understand your point for sure! I agree hospital food should be healthy. I was just pointing out, in the case of the patients, etc. of one hospital when that was what was offered the complaints went up. Sometimes I think when you aren't feeling well, a food treat often seems to help. At least that is when I tend to buy more DQ cones myself 🙂

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