The Importance of Hospitals in a Food Pandemic

So, what’s the issue with food? Some want to mock the labels of gluten free and organic, but just like anything else, judgement can come from a lack of knowledge. Foods have had to transition in today’s world based on the many leaky guts, autoimmune diseases, hormone imbalances and so on. Much of this is due to the nature of discovering how chemical treatments, as well as the disruptive preservatives in less-than-whole foods, are not capable of cooperating with our human chemistry. Therefore, the body reacts, and sickness can occur- whether this be immediate or after years of accumulation. Antibiotics in meat and food dyes are also contributors. If our body is going haywire, how can we expect it to give us what we need?

Foods have now proven they can harm us or heal us. For someone who was displaying signs of multiple autoimmune diseases in the past, I have seen firsthand the deteriorated lifestyle additives can create. I’ve also seen the life changing effects of reversing the damage. It takes time to transition our perspective on what we are putting in our bodies, and time for the body to adapt to new foods. On the flipside, costs can be a hurdle. Especially for the demographics who struggle with the most health issues and the least availability to the proper care. How can we develop a system that is setup to make healthier foods more accessible? What would this look like and what action steps could be a part of this larger vision?

Our healthcare system is another frustration financially for the population. Many say we have a system that supports the sick, not the healthy. People are avoiding going to the doctor to get care due to the financial burden and the potential of unaffordable prescriptions, yet they can’t seem to get well on their own. What if clean, whole foods could begin to empower people to see their health in another light? We are not just on this planet to get through the day- we are here to thrive. If our mindset is dulled due to food chemicals causing us depression and anxiety, how can we see a larger purpose, and the action steps to get there? Food is not just a physical and financial influence, it’s emotional as well and neurochemistry is a factor in feelings.

Foods in hospitals are often overlooked. We justify ‘cafeteria food’ as a genre of its own, but what if we had healthy, locally sourced whole foods to allow for quicker healing? To shift the mindset on health? Community organizations can make a big impact on how we address the health model in this country. Of course, it comes back to financials as well, but if the money is there and you know it will benefit everyone involved, why not go for it? One financial action can create a ripple effect of support, and an ecosystem of beneficial change.

Hospitals have an important position in our economy. We NEED them to survive. Community hospitals, in particular, are struggling while larger systems become the mainstream. Just like any local business, they offer an experience that is different from the rest. We want to be close to home if something unfortunate occurs, and we want to be treated by people we trust and feel ‘at home’ with. Many times, this is simply an association of locality, and trust with those who have the same love for our community. So how can hospitals- large and small- shift the paradigm of the food pandemic to aid in the healing journey?

1)?????Offer locally sourced foods of a healthier variety. Do the research to see what local farms you may have access to and how you can get approval to add this to the food budget. Not only are you funding farmers to shift their business and continue to create something that is of important supply, but you are also offering patients an opportunity to heal more quickly through nutrition. Shift those taste buds to a nourishing diet.

2)?????Educate patients. The more we know, the more we are empowered. Offer meals that come with a why. Show patients that you have healthier options because you care. Allow them the opportunity for knowledge on how foods will support their visit, and the longevity of their ‘health’ care plan.

3)?????Work with a food vendor. Outsourcing is a seemingly terrifying word, however, sometimes administratively we have way too much on our proverbial plates. If someone can specialize and to create a lot of strength and consistency to a food program, it becomes less about ownership and more about quality and service. Allow support from others to pour love into your outcome, and choose a vendor that offers whole, healthy foods, rather than frozen.

4)?????Community Events. Hospitals do not solely have to be associated with that time our arm was casted or when we had to have our tonsils removed. Become an active community member and use your foods to cater events or even offer a food delivery model. Many small towns are limited to fast foods and casual dining, so this offers a solution while presenting healthy options and influencing cash flow.

Sometimes we can see the bigger picture, but we ask ourselves ‘how can we take the next steps and make a big enough shift to contribute to change?’ If organizations like hospitals can help us get started, we can influence a wider spectrum of businesses across the country, and price foods more effectively for a healed population. The benefit to hospitals is of equal exchange, as they will be spotlighted, adding revenue to their facility, and getting excellent ratings to improve their credibility and reputation. Let’s be healthcare changemakers, one fresh plate at a time.