POLITICS
Hospitals and Medical Centers
RFK Jr., Dr. Oz unveil ‘Make Hospital Food Healthier’ pledge
Anthony ThompsonUSA TODAY
Updated July 8, 2026, 7:19 p.m. ET
Federal officials are encouraging medical institutions to rethink their approach to patient meals, as hospital food has become the subject of jokes, complaints, and criticisms due to what some believe is a lack of quality and nutritional value
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched the “Make Hospital Food Healthier” pledge on July 8 as a voluntary effort asking hospitals to serve meals that better align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The initiative encourages hospitals to limit ultra-processed foods, reduce added sugars and sodium, and offer more nutrient-dense options that officials say can support recovery, prevent chronic disease and improve long-term health
“Patients recovering from serious medical conditions deserve better than ultra-processed and deep-fried junk foods,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “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.”
What the hospital food pledge asks facilities to change
The voluntary pledge outlines several recommendations for hospitals looking to improve their food and nutrition programs
The suggested changes include hospitals limiting ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as reducing processed meats and foods high in added sugars, sodium and artificial additives. The pledge also encourages hospitals to emphasize whole grains over refined grains
The recommendations also suggest hospitals prioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options, while adding more vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood and healthy fats to menus
HHS also recommends hospitals move away from deep frying and instead use cooking techniques such as baking, roasting, grilling, broiling, and stir-frying
Federal officials say nutrition is part of patient care
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said healthier hospital meals could help address major health challenges, including obesity and chronic disease
“When it comes to managing chronic disease, reducing co-morbidities like obesity, and shortening recovery times, a healthy diet can make all the difference,” Oz said
The effort builds on existing Medicare requirements that hospitals provide meals that meet patients’ individual nutritional needs and follow federal dietary guidance
The new pledge is part of Kennedy’s broader nutrition agenda at HHS, which includes efforts focused on dietary guidance, nutrition education and promoting less-processed foods
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
