Miami-based Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is the first institution to sign a pledge expanding farm-to-hospital food sourcing amid a broader push from CMS for hospitals to reform their nutrition services.
In a March 30 memo, CMS directed hospitals to align meals with the 2025-2030 dietary guidelines for Americans and reduce ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, refined carbohydrates and added sugars.
The guidance reinforced Medicare participation requirements mandating hospitals meet individual patient nutritional needs, maintain dietitian oversight, keep therapeutic diet manuals current and integrate nutrition into quality and performance improvement programs.
The pledge formalized partnerships with Florida farmers to supply locally sourced food. The initiative also supports workforce training, medically tailored meals and expanded sourcing pathways for local producers, according to CMS.
Federal officials said the effort aims to strengthen nutrition’s role in patient care and chronic disease management.
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