Elevating Nutrition: How MaineHealth Hospitals are Championing Healthy Eating for Better Patient Care

MaineHealth is working hard to bring healthier food options to its communities, starting right from its hospital campuses. They believe that good food is essential for good health.

Their approach includes:

• More fruits and vegetables on plates.
• Buying food from local farms.
• Offering healthier drink choices.
• Creating better recipes.
• Highlighting healthy meals in hospital cafeterias.

One exciting initiative is “Plant-Powered Mondays.” Each week, MaineHealth promotes plant-based meals in their hospital cafes. This shift is not just about taste; it can lead to reduced meat consumption, which is beneficial for both health and the environment.

MaineHealth also emphasizes local sourcing, working closely with farmers and distributors to ensure that the fruits, vegetables, and seafood served are fresh and free from excess salt or sugar. It’s a great way to support the community while providing nutritious food.

Beyond serving food, MaineHealth runs Health Behavior and Lifestyle Treatment (HBLT) programs. These programs educate patients on healthy cooking and eating habits. Participants can set personal health goals and learn how to manage chronic conditions better through lifestyle changes. This holistic approach includes four main components: evidence-based chronic disease programming, peer support, community partnerships, and access to healthy recipes and food.

In addition to these initiatives, MaineHealth has partnered with Good Shepherd Food Bank to set up food pantries in hospitals across the state. Locations in Farmington, Norway, and Portland operate like small grocery stores, offering nutritious foods and tips on how to prepare them. This “food is medicine” approach highlights the importance of nutrition in managing health.

Research supports this idea—studies show that access to healthy food can significantly impact overall well-being. For example, a recent report indicated that communities with better access to fresh produce see lower rates of chronic diseases. With their focus on community health and sustainability, MaineHealth is paving the way for a healthier future.

For more details about their initiatives, check out MaineHealth’s healthy food program.

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