Dutch hospitals strive for healthy and sustainable food

With the innovative program 'Taste Good Care', Dutch hospitals are setting a new standard for healthy and sustainable nutrition. Central to this initiative is not just the food offering, but the entire meal system.

This encompasses the presentation of healthy products, reducing food waste, and training nutrition assistants. This holistic approach has already resulted in a significant shift towards a healthier food offering.

The program, not limited only to patients but also targeting staff and visitors, has established a monitoring document consisting of 50 criteria. These criteria are based on guidelines from leading health institutions. It provides hospitals with a framework to track their progress and set priorities. Notably, in 2022 as many as 20 pioneering hospitals demonstrated a significant shift towards a healthier offering.

Hospitals aim for 80% better choices

A fascinating development within the program is the approach to healthier choices for staff and visitors. Instead of imposing health, 'Taste Good Care' aims to entice individuals to make healthier decisions. Research from 2022 revealed that a minimum standard of 60% healthier choices was maintained in the employee and visitor dining areas of hospitals. Some progressive hospitals even set their sights on 80%.

Liesbeth Velema from the Nutrition Centre emphasizes the impact of this movement: "It's inspiring to see how hospitals take responsibility and set high standards. With this, hospitals play a pivotal role in shaping a new social norm where a healthier and more sustainable offering becomes the default."

In addition to hospitals, other healthcare institutions are joining this initiative, positioning 'Taste Good Care' as a best practice within the National Prevention Agreement.

Alliantievoeding.nl