Eastern Ontario hospitals ditching deep fryers for healthy foods

Hospitals have signed on to an eastern Ontario program that focuses on healthier food for patients, visitors and staff inside their cafeterias.

The Champlain Local Health Integration Network announced Wednesday that all hospitals in the region have signed on voluntarily. They agree to:

• Decommission deep fryers.
• Post calories and sodium counts.
• Offer more whole grains, vegetables and fruit.
• Decrease portion sizes for high-calorie beverages.
• Reduce highly processed snacks.

The list of hospitals and organizations involved can be found at the bottom of this story.

"As health care providers, there's a recognition that we can do better in terms of role modelling what we teach patients about healthy food and healthy eating," said Laurie Dojeiji, the network manager for the Champlain Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Network.

The Healthy Foods in Champlain Hospitals program is aimed at cafeterias, which are mainly frequented by staff, Dojeiji said, and not meals sent to patients' bedsides. She said the hope is, however, to create a new culture about food to hospitals in general.

"It's causing them to consider what are they doing on their in-patient menus," said Dojeiji of a few hospitals where cafeteria and patient meals are prepared by the same supplier.

The LHIN said seven area hospitals have already moved to selling healthier food in Almonte, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Kemptville, Pembroke, Renfrew and Winchester.

A media release did add that some hospitals were skeptical because it meant changing menus and arrangements with suppliers.

Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, a doctor who specializes in weight loss and nutrition, said it is up to hospitals to "lead the charge" in making healthy food, rather than junk food, readily available. 

"I think it's a long time coming," he said of the new program among Champlain area hospitals. "The fact that we've had hospitals serving unhealthy foods to the people who live and breathe health care for them, for decades, was surprising to me." 

For those wondering about privately-run hospital coffee shops such as Second Cup and Tim Hortons, the LHIN said "negotiations have been ongoing with private franchises located on hospital campuses, which have pre-determined food choices set at head office."

• Find the list of all hospitals involved here.