Jan Thompson

JUST IN: More than 250 hospitals have committed to serving healthier food, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. The hospitals signed the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, which commits them to providing healthier food to patients and emphasizing nutrition. “Hospitals have a responsibility to promote health in every part of patient care, including the food they serve,” Kennedy said in a statement. “More than 250 hospitals are taking action to improve nutrition for their patients, staff, and communities. I am calling on every hospital in America to join them, sign the pledge, and help make healthy food a standard part of health care.” The hospitals include multiple Cleveland Clinic facilities in Ohio, Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital in Texas, and Sanford Medical Center Fargo in North Dakota. Tina Freese Decker, CEO of Corewell Health, which signed the pledge, said Monday during an appearance with Kennedy that the focus on healthier food and nutrition is embedded in Corewell’s organization, cafeterias, and programs. “And it’s a badge of honor that we know that if you do come to one of our hospitals, you should be leaving saying that was really good food,” Decker said.