MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com

Food Programs Pivot in Response to Pandemic

Micromarkets have popped, offering an easy way for hospital workers to pick up items without entering grocery stores


The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly for healthcare organizations, and food programs are no exception.

When the COVID-19 erupted nationwide in March, hospital dining programs had to quickly transition to serving patients sick with the virus while finding ways to do it safely for employees. Many moved from traditional room service models to providing meals at set times for nurses to deliver to COVID-positive patients to reduce the number of people with exposure.

Healthcare foodservice programs also continued to serve doctors and nurses. Dining directors quickly realized that it wasn’t a hot entrée that would make the biggest impact on those workers. Instead, it was toilet paper and cleaning supplies and bulk meals. These micro markets popped up on hospital grounds, offering an easy way for hospital workers to pick up items without having to stop at grocery stores, according to Food Management.

Consider the example of University of North Carolina REX Healthcare. Like other healthcare institutions, it had to institute emergency protocols to face the coronavirus crisis, meaning extra pressure on its employees. To help ease the burden, the system’s culinary and nutrition services team has turned a retail cafés closed by the crisis into a retail market where employees can buy staple foods, prepared meals like pizza and other household items.

Click here to read the article.



December 10, 2020


Topic Area: Food Service


Recent Posts

Creating an Inclusive Space for Everyone Through Universal Design

Designers are using their compassion to create inclusive spaces for all patients.


Lehigh Valley Health Network and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Announce Affiliation Agreement

The affiliation is to provide optimal care for children in the region.


Four Healthcare Construction Best Practices

Strategies that prove effective can boost efficiency, lower costs and promote long-term success.


Piedmont Henry Hospital to Expand with New Patient Tower

The project is expected to start in early 2024.


Bill Proposed to Make Assaulting Healthcare Workers a Federal Crime

Efforts to reduce workplace violence in healthcare settings are coming from both health organizations and Capitol Hill.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.