Source: Fox News
Summary
Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian has been working to improve hospital food in the US, following the concept that “food is medicine.” He has been working with Tampa General Hospital, a $4 billion nonprofit, 1,000-bed public hospital, to change the menu to more nutritious, minimally processed meals. The hospital has signed the “Make Hospital Food Healthier” pledge, committing to serve better food to patients. Zakarian’s approach involves a flat annual fee and a smaller, higher-quality menu, which saves money. He believes that nutritious food can be a part of the healing process.
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The advice sounds familiar. Hospital food has long been a subject of concern, and now, a celebrity chef is taking action to change it.
The concept that “food is medicine” is not new, but it’s gaining traction. Zakarian’s initiative to improve hospital food is a step in the right direction. However, the biggest challenge is cost, with hospitals typically allocating only $3.50 per person per plate. Zakarian’s approach to charge a flat annual fee and serve higher-quality food could be a game-changer. As CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz noted, hospital food may provide some nutrients, but it’s not seen as contributing meaningfully to patients’ recovery. The fact that a celebrity chef is leading the charge to change hospital food is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of nutrition in healthcare.
It’s interesting to note that the concept of “food as medicine” is not new, but it’s only now gaining mainstream attention. This shift in thinking is a reflection of the growing recognition of the importance of nutrition in healthcare.
Author: Evan Null
