The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on August 14 that three health systems have signed the federal government’s voluntary “Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge,” committing to align inpatient meals with federal nutritional standards and limit ultra-processed items. Corewell Health in Michigan, Houston Methodist in Texas, and Sanford Health in South Dakota became the first participants in the initiative, according to an announcement reported by Vitamin Rush.
The voluntary pledge, originally launched on July 8 by HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, asks medical facilities to overhaul patient menus to better reflect the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. According to federal officials, the initiative aims to reduce chronic disease risks, improve long-term health outcomes, and provide nourishing food that actively supports patient recovery.
“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 reported by USA Today. “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 Voluntary Pledge Requires From Hospitals
Participating facilities agree to follow specific dietary benchmarks designed to shift hospital menus away from heavy processing and high sodium content. The recommendations urge hospitals to limit sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, and foods high in added sugars, sodium, and artificial additives, while prioritizing whole grains over refined alternatives.
Under the guidelines outlined by HHS, kitchens are encouraged to emphasize minimally processed proteins—including plant-based options—alongside increased quantities of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, and healthy fats. Furthermore, the initiative advises medical facilities to phase out deep-frying in favor of cooking methods such as baking, roasting, grilling, broiling, and stir-frying.
In addition to altering meal preparation, the pledge asks hospitals to ensure inpatient meals meet individual nutritional needs and to provide accessible nutrition resources and education during discharge planning to help patients sustain healthy habits at home, as detailed by Vitamin Rush.
Leadership Roles and Official Reactions
The three health systems that signed on to the pledge—Corewell Health, Houston Methodist, and Sanford Health—are represented by the past, current, and incoming chairs of the American Hospital Association. AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack expressed support for the administration’s focus on meeting patients’ nutritional needs.
“Hospitals across the country work closely with registered dieticians and clinical staff to provide patients with high quality, nutritious meals that embrace the notion that ‘food is medicine,'” Pollack said in a statement covered by Vitamin Rush. He added that the organization is committed to helping facilities review the voluntary pledge and consider adoption as clinically appropriate.
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz noted that reforming hospital nutrition can directly address major public health crises, such as obesity and chronic illness. “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 stated, according to USA Today.
Federal officials emphasize that the new initiative builds upon existing Medicare requirements mandating that hospitals provide meals tailored to individual patient needs while adhering to federal dietary guidance.