Trump Administration Urges Hospitals to Offer Patients Healthier Food
July 9, 2026by Dan McCue
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Wednesday launched a nationwide campaign urging hospitals to serve healthier meals, calling on medical centers to reduce ultra-processed foods, eliminate deep-fried menu items and expand the use of fresh, minimally processed ingredients for patients
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the voluntary “Make Hospital Food Healthier” Pledge, saying the initiative is intended to improve patient recovery, reduce chronic disease and encourage hospitals to make nutrition a larger part of medical care
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said patients recovering from serious illnesses “deserve better than ultra-processed and deep-fried junk foods” and urged hospitals to lead efforts to provide meals centered on whole foods and minimally processed ingredients
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz echoed that sentiment, saying nutrition can play an important role in managing chronic disease, reducing obesity-related complications and shortening recovery times
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“Hospitals should nourish patients with the same commitment they bring to every other aspect of care,” Oz said in announcing the program
Under the pledge, participating hospitals agree to limit ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, replace deep frying with cooking methods such as baking, roasting, grilling and broiling, reduce processed meats and foods high in added sugars and sodium, emphasize whole grains instead of refined grains, and increase the use of minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options
Federal health officials said the pledge is voluntary but follows guidance issued by CMS earlier this year reminding hospitals that Medicare regulations require them to meet each patient’s nutritional needs while hospitalized
In a memorandum distributed to hospitals in March, CMS said inpatient meals should be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and encouraged facilities to reduce highly processed foods and sugary beverages served to patients with chronic illnesses
Calley Means, a senior adviser to Kennedy, said at the time that many hospitals continue to offer soft drinks and heavily processed foods despite treating large numbers of patients with obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions
The administration also has expanded its broader nutrition campaign through revised federal dietary guidance issued earlier this year. The guidance encourages greater consumption of vegetables, whole grains and minimally processed foods while advising consumers to limit packaged foods high in sugar, salt and refined carbohydrates
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