Launch Catch-Up — Participation Milestone Announced October 26, 2026
More than 250 hospitals have signed a voluntary pledge to improve food and nutrition education, the Department of Health and Human Services announced October 26.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presented the milestone at Corewell Health's Lifestyle and Culinary Medicine Practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
HHS says participating hospitals commit to serving more nutritious food, strengthening nutrition education and incorporating healthy eating into patient care. The department also unveiled a badge identifying institutions that have signed.
Corewell described its own work as emphasizing whole foods, less sugar and sodium, healthier cooking methods and physician training. Its chief executive said food choices remain guided by patients and their care teams.
The announcement counts hospitals making commitments. It does not report an independent audit of every signer's meals or quantify changes in recovery, disease rates or patient bills.
The initiative remains voluntary, and the badge recognizes participation rather than establishing that all hospitals now follow a new nationwide legal requirement.
Sources: https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/secretary-kennedy-250-hospitals-make-hospital-food-healthier-pledge.html