The Hanover and District Hospital is celebrating.
Health officials held a ceremony today to mark their new ‘Healthy Choices’ initiative.
It’s the first hospital in Grey Bruce and possibly Ontario to offer only healthy food choices in its vending machines and cafeteria.
Nutritionist Shelly Adams says this didn’t happen overnight, it has been a gradual process that has taken almost year to achieve.
Adams says they started eliminating pop and junk food in the vending machines.
She says they moved onto the cafeteria where all fried foods and unhealthy choices were eliminated.
In turn the vending machines and cafeteria now offer more fruits, vegetables and high fiber items along with other nutritious meals.
The patient menu has also been revamped to ensure healthy choices are always available.
Adams admits it was a hard sell for some — but over time — she says most have adjusted to the changes.
She says as a hospital, Hanover has a responsibility to ensure it promotes nutrition and healthy choices.
It’s her hope that other hospitals in the area as well as the province will follow Hanover’s lead.
