The Minnesota’s St. Cloud Hospital to add halal options to its menu so patients whose food preferences are dictated by their religion can find meals that meet their needs, according to an article on the Food Management website.

Some Muslim adheres to a halal diet. Minnesota’s St. Cloud Hospital ’s is ;located near a large population of Muslims. Chicken Suqqar, Beef Masala and Chicken Shawarma are now on St. Cloud’s halal menu.

The hospitals has reported a good response, from Muslim patients and also vegetarians and those who avoid gluten or follow low-carb diets. Patient visitors are also able to order the halal meals for in-room dining.

If the initial halal options continue to be popular, the menu may be expanded. Including them in hospital’s retail side is also been results.

These changes are coming at the challenging time for healthcare food service operations, but according to an earlier article, a recent survey showed that 45 percent of healthcare operators are “cautiously optimistic; expect our operation to come through this stronger than ever.” The largest group, 55 percent of healthcare operators, are “worried, but fairly confident our operation will get through this in one piece.” 

Read the full Food Management article.