10/30/2026
Parkview has signed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) voluntary Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, a national initiative that encourages hospitals to align patient meals with federal dietary guidelines and place a greater emphasis on nutrition as part of patient care.
The pledge includes commitments to limit ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, offer more nutrient-dense options, use healthier preparation methods and provide nutrition resources to patients after discharge. According to HHS, chronic disease accounts for approximately 90% of the nation's annual healthcare spending, underscoring the role nutrition can play in supporting long-term health.
For Parkview, the pledge formalizes many of the practices already in place across the health system. Patient menus emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while Nutrition Services teams prioritize preparation methods such as baking, roasting and grilling.
"As a healthcare organization, we have a responsibility to think beyond treatment and consider the factors that affect long-term health," said Donna Van Vlerah, senior vice president, Support Division. "Nutrition is one of those responsibilities. Signing this pledge was a natural step for Parkview because many of these practices have been part of our approach for years. It reflects work already happening across our hospitals and our ongoing commitment to supporting healthier outcomes for the patients and communities we serve."
Indiana has also placed increased attention on nutrition and preventive health as part of broader efforts to improve health outcomes across the state.
For more information about the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, visit https://go.cms.gov/4ieWct5
