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

On the Lookout: The Software Supply Chain as a Healthcare Cyberattack Vector

Staying watchful of third-party software vendors and their activities is critical for healthcare cybersecurity.


Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton Opens

The Clifton center expands health care access in Passaic County by reducing barriers such as travel and wait times.


Suffolk Breaks Ground on Expansion of White Plains Hospital

The 10-story, approximately 500,000-square-foot expansion is slated to open in 2028.


EVS Leadership Culture Critical in Preventing Hospital-Acquired Sepsis

Cleaning is an essential yet complex component for the prevention of HAI-induced sepsis.


Man Dies by Suicide in Emergency Department Waiting Room at Kansas Hospital

No staff or patients were harmed, and the man was alone in the waiting area when he shot himself.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.