July 22, 2021

Hospital food deserves to be memorable. Hospital patients and visitors often hate visiting hospitals for a number of reasons, but the cafeteria can help alleviate some of those negative impressions. Organizations should create dining experiences that satisfy people’s hunger and create a sense of comfortability during a patient’s stay. 

Peddler’s Son is one of Arizona’s premier wholesale food distributors. For over 30 years we’ve provided healthcare centers, schools, restaurants, and caterers with quality wholesale ingredients to elevate their menus and drive better dining experiences. But, how does one exactly invigorate the dining experience in a hospital? Read our article below to learn more.

Hospital Patients Need Food That Feeds AND Heals

Not only does food nourish our hunger, but it can play an important role in the healing process. It has the potential to heal our wounds, gain our strength back, and avoid nasty infections. According to Hospital & Health Networks Magazine, nutrition intervention can reduce avoidable readmissions by 28% and the patient’s overall stay. 

Incorporating menu items that work with people’s medical conditions is imperative. For instance, someone who is experiencing cardiovascular disease will need heart-healthy items. Somebody who lives with diabetes will need low-carb menu items. Additionally, post-surgery patients may need to be on a liquid diet. As a healthcare center, it is important to meet these needs.

Up Your Game with Home-Cooked Meals

Much like airplane food, hospital food is often associated with being of poor quality. But, it doesn’t have to be. As we mentioned, incorporating menu items that meet people’s medical conditions is important. Another element to that is adding fresh ingredients and delicious menu items that not only promote recovery but satisfy the soul. 

Instead of reheating items or bringing in frozen items, why not incorporate fresh fruits and veggies. We all know how fresh items can elevate a dish. Why shouldn’t you expect that from your hospital food? St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is reimagining the hospital dining experience by offering home-cooked meals that not only help treat patients but actually look and taste good.

Some of their menu items include:

• Naan paratha
• Enchiladas
• Korean-style chicken stew

And much more

Collaborate With Your Hospital Patients and Staff

If you’re not sure where to begin on improving your cafeteria menu, it’s always good to get feedback from your community. Your staff will likely eat in the cafeteria for lunch and probably have some ideas on what items can be added to the menu. Additionally, hospital patients may have some feedback as well.

Work with dietitians and staff to brainstorm menu items that excite your community. They’ll be able to evaluate the healthiness and costs associated with adding them to your menu. Additionally, dietitians can act as a liaison between the hospital and patient dining staff to resolve any nutritional concerns.

Improve Hospital Patient Room Delivery Service

Another important aspect for patients in a hospital setting is the room delivery service. Hospital stays can be stressful and unpleasant, partially due to patients having no control of their schedule. That is why many facilities are incorporating exciting hotel-style room service programs to help alleviate some of the unease of scheduling. The option to have a more flexible way to order food on your own schedule helps facilitate patient satisfaction. 

Reimagine Hospital Food with Peddler’s Son

For over 25 years, Peddler’s Son has been one of Arizona’s top food distributors providing quality produce & provisions, service, and delivery. To serve the best food to your customers, you need the best ingredients and products. We work with a variety of schools, hospitals, and restaurants to ensure their meals meet the quality standards of their chefs and customers. Contact us today to learn how our products and services will enhance your dishes.