RFK Jr. releases new dietary guidelines
Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced new dietary guidelines and said his message was clear: “Eat real food.”
Hospital food has been the subject of jokes, complaints and criticism, with some saying it lacks quality and nutritional value, prompting federal officials to encourage health care providers to rethink how they feed their patients.
On July 8, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched the Make Hospital Meals Healthier Pledge, a voluntary initiative calling on hospitals to serve meals that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The initiative encourages hospitals to limit ultra-processed foods, reduce added sugar and sodium, and offer more nutritious options that can support recovery, prevent chronic disease, and improve long-term health outcomes.
“Patients recovering from serious illnesses deserve better than ultra-processed, fried junk food,” Department of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “We are now asking hospitals across the country to lead by example by providing nutritious, minimally processed meals that help patients heal, reduce chronic disease and make America healthy again.”
Changes the Hospital Food Pledge requires of facilities
This voluntary pledge outlines several recommendations for hospitals looking to improve their food and nutrition programs.
Proposed changes include hospitals limiting ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, and cutting back on processed meats and foods that are high in sugar, sodium and artificial additives. The pledge encourages hospitals to emphasize whole grains over refined grains.
The recommendations also suggest that hospitals prioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options, and add more vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood and healthy fats to menus.
HHS also recommends that hospitals eliminate deep-frying and instead use cooking techniques such as baking, roasting, grilling, broiling, and sautéing.
Federal officials say nutrition is part of patient care
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said healthier food in hospitals could help solve major health problems such as obesity and chronic diseases.
“A healthy diet can make a big difference when it comes to managing chronic disease, reducing comorbidities such as obesity, and speeding recovery time,” Oz says.
According to HHS, the initiative 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 X @athompsonUSAT.
