WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today launched the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, a nationwide initiative inviting hospitals to serve healthier, more nutritious meals. The voluntary pledge encourages hospitals to reduce highly processed foods and prioritize nutrient-dense options that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, reinforcing the critical role of nutrition in improving patient health, supporting recovery, and promoting long-term wellness.
“Patients recovering from serious medical conditions deserve better than ultra-processed and deep-fried junk foods,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “President Trump has directed HHS to put real food at the center of American health. Today, we’re challenging hospitals across the country to lead by example by serving nutritious, minimally processed meals that help patients heal, reduce chronic disease, and help Make America Healthy Again.”
“When it comes to managing chronic disease, reducing co-morbidities like obesity, and shortening recovery times, a healthy diet can make all the difference,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his leadership in putting nutrition and prevention at the center of America’s health agenda. Hospitals should nourish patients with the same commitment they bring to every other aspect of care. That’s why we’re challenging hospitals to limit ultra-processed foods, feature nutritious meals that promote healing, and lead the way in delivering prevention-first, whole-person care.”
The Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge includes commitments to:
- Limit ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages
- Use baked, broiled, roasted, stir-fried, or grilled cooking methods instead of deep frying
- Limit processed meats and foods high in added sugars, sodium, and artificial additives
- Emphasize whole grains over refined grains
- Prioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options.
In March, CMS Administrator Dr. Oz reminded hospitals that Medicare requires them to meet each patient’s individual nutritional needs. Consistent with 42 CFR §482.28 and CMS guidance, hospitals should provide inpatient meals that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The new nutrition page on HHS.gov serves as the central hub for Secretary Kennedy’s nutrition initiatives, featuring the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, resources to advance nutrition education in medical schools, the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, and the upcoming The Real Food Show.
