ABSTRACT
Promoting community health starts with promoting individual health. One of the most rewarding health promotion tactics a hospital can practice is serving healthful, sustainable food to its patients, visitors and caregivers. Research indicates that nutrition is intrinsically linked to health; nutritious foods support healing and prevent disease. The environmental and financial impacts of using sustainable foods are also worth noting. Locally sourced, fresh produce is frequently the healthiest choice of food on the market, and requires less energy consumption for transportation compared with foods shipped from distant locations.
Chapter 6 guides healthcare leadership through the transition from the existing food paradigm to one that is focused on healthy food in healthcare. Healthy food in healthcare is based on a framework of purchasing local, seasonal foods harvested in a sustainable manner with verified sourcing. Healthy food is a key ingredient of individual, family and community well-being. Healthcare leaders must encourage individuals and the healthcare system at large to think differently about food. Leaders at best practice organizations are influencing food vendors to make different selections when it comes to food services.
