Independence Health System Lauded For
Promoting Community Health & Wellness
Through Hospital Food Service
BUTLER, PA … Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospital, both part of Independence Health System, were recognized by the Good Food, Healthy Hospitals (GFHH) program for achieving food, beverage, and procurement standards throughout both hospitals. Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospital joined the program in 2021, and both attained GFHH’s silver award level by implementing three out of five program standards, including food and beverage options served in patient meals, cafeteria, and catering. Currently, 51 hospitals throughout Pennsylvania are participating in the program, and 86% have achieved the silver level or above. The sister hospitals of Independence Health System in Westmoreland County – Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland – will soon become part of this initiative.
GFHH is an initiative to transform Pennsylvania’s hospital food environments by providing healthy food options to employees, visitors, and patients. Food service leaders at Butler and Clarion strive to provide nutritious, locally sourced food options focused on health and wellness. The goal is to increase sustainable food and beverage choices, use more whole grains, and provide plant-forward options. GFHH is a collaboration among the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
“As a healthsystem, part of our responsibility is to support and educate individuals on the importance of choosing a well-balanced diet to help reduce chronic disease and promote wellness,” said Dr. Kathy Selvaggi, Chief Community Health Officer at Independence Health System. “Our food services leaders at Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospital have done a phenomenal job educating and providing healthy food and beverage options to patients, visitors, and employees at both campuses.”
Independence Health System also offers virtual health and wellness classes through the Lifestyle Coaching program. Classes are free and open to the public. To learn more, visit www.independence.health or call 724-284-4504.
Upcoming October Classes:
• Virtual Volumetrics Weight Management Program
• Virtual Plant-Forward Eating
• On-Site Cooking Demos
• Virtual Reducing Barriers to Physical Activity
• Virtual Menu Planning
• Virtual Mediterranean Diet
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