Nutrition in Healthcare Leadership Team
Poor eating habits are a serious and costly problem. In 2009,
the U.S. spent approximately $147 billion on treatment of/health
issues stemming from obesity, overweight, and physical inactivity -
most of which are preventable. Many of our neighborhoods are
inundated with unhealthy, inexpensive foods and beverages. In order
to ensure everyone has access to healthful, affordable foods,
significant changes are needed to our current food system.
Hospitals recognize the major role they can play in sparking
this transformation. As recognized authorities on health and
wellness, hospital systems across San Diego County are coming
together to model and promote healthy and sustainable food in their
cafeterias, patient meals, and the community. The Nutrition in
Healthcare Leadership Team (NHLT) is a joint effort of Healthy
WorksSM, a countywide initiative making systems and
environmental changes promoting wellness and addressing the
nationwide obesity epidemic, and the Healthcare Domain.
This exciting countywide initiative is bring hospitals together
to work collaboratively to:
- Promote healthy, sustainable food practices in the hospital
setting;
- Share best practices that support a healthy food system;
- Identify opportunities for increasing procurement of locally
grown nutritious foods;
- Communicate healthy nutrition messages and information to
staff, patients, and the community;
- Encourage other institutions and stakeholders to model similar
best practices.
The NHLT is open to all hospitals and healthcare systems.
If your system is interested in learning more, please contact JuliAnna Arnett, the
Healthy WorksSM Food Policy Manager for the San Diego
County Childhood Obesity Initiative, a program of Community Health
Improvement Partners.
Made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, through the County of San Diego.
