Health systems represented by the American Hospital Association’s past, current and incoming board chairs have signed on to HHS’ Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge.
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Corewell Health, Houston Methodist and Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health all signed the voluntary pledge, which aims to accelerate the adoption of healthier food practices nationwide.
The pledge asks hospitals to limit highly processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, swap deep frying for baked, broiled, roasted, stir-fried or grilled preparation, cut back on processed meats and foods high in added sugar and sodium, favor whole grains over refined grains, and prioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options.
“We are committed to helping hospitals — as clinically appropriate and feasible — ensure that patients have access to nourishing meals, including by sharing this voluntary pledge with the hospital field and encouraging them to review it and give it serious consideration,” AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said in an Aug. 14 news release.
CMS, which launched the pledge alongside HHS, oversees its terms. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said the commitments will help accelerate adoption of healthier food practices nationwide and reduce long-term strain on the healthcare system.
The pledge launched July 8 under CMS as part of the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again nutrition agenda.
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