Exclusive: Trump admin presses hospitals on healthier food

Driving the news: The "Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge" encourages hospitals to voluntarily reduce highly processed foods and prioritize nutrient-dense options.

HHS is calling on facilities to:

• Cut down on ultra-processed items and sugary drinks.
• Replace deep frying with baked, broiled, grilled or other cooking methods.
• Limit processed meats and foods high in added sugars, sodium and artificial additives.
• Emphasize whole grains and minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options.

What they're saying: "Patients recovering from serious medical conditions deserve better than ultra-processed and deep-fried junk foods," said Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "We're challenging hospitals across the country to lead by example."

• The effort tracks with Kennedy's "MAHA" nutritional agenda and was previewed this spring at the American Hospital Association's annual meeting.

Reality check: Many hospitals already emphasize healthy food options and preparation methods in their cafeterias.

• A March administration memo to hospitals and nursing homes to align patient meals with 2025–30 dietary guidelines or risk losing Medicaid and Medicare funds drew fire from some health professionals, who said it didn't account for certain dietary restrictions and unique clinical needs.