HHS: More Than 250 Hospitals Sign Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge to Cut Ultra-Processed Foods and Sugary Drinks
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on October 26 that more than 250 hospitals nationwide have signed the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, committing to serve more nutritious food, strengthen nutrition education, and make healthy eating a greater part of patient care. HHS said the initiative advances President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda by putting nutrition and prevention at the center of healthcare.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the milestone at Corewell Health Lifestyle and Culinary Medicine Practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "Hospitals have a responsibility to promote health in every part of patient care, including the food they serve," Secretary Kennedy said. "More than 250 hospitals are taking action to improve nutrition for their patients, staff, and communities. I am calling on every hospital in America to join them, sign the pledge, and help make healthy food a standard part of health care."
Secretary Kennedy and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz launched the voluntary pledge in July, inviting hospitals nationwide to serve healthier meals that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. "Food is part of health care, and what we serve patients should reflect that understanding," Dr. Oz said. "More than 250 hospitals are voluntarily stepping up to make nutritious food a greater part of the care they provide—giving patients healthier choices while they recover and practical nutrition knowledge they can take home."
According to HHS, participating hospitals commit to reviewing and aligning their food service practices with the Dietary Guidelines, where clinically appropriate and feasible. Recommendations include limiting ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages; prioritizing minimally processed proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; and using cooking methods such as baking, roasting, and grilling instead of deep frying. The pledge also encourages hospitals to expand healthier choices for staff and visitors, equip patients with nutrition knowledge they can use after discharge, and support community nutrition programs.
"As part of our commitment to make health better, Corewell Health supports the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, which builds on work we have been doing for years to improve the meals we serve our patients," said Tina Freese Decker, Corewell Health president and CEO. "We are focused on serving whole foods, cutting back on sugar and sodium and using healthier cooking methods."
The Secretary also unveiled a new badge recognizing hospitals that have signed the pledge, bearing the words "Committed to Excellence in Hospital Nutrition." HHS said it will continue encouraging hospitals across the country to join and translate those commitments into practical changes in purchasing, meal preparation, and patient education, and published the full list of hospitals currently participating in the program.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：医院病患午餐餐盘（资料图）。Mr.ちゅらさん，CC BY-SA 4.0，经维基共享资源。 / A hospital patient lunch tray (file image). Mr.ちゅらさん, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
