Vidant Chowan Hospital Removes Fryers from Cafeteria

May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- In an effort to support a healthier workforce, Vidant Chowan Hospital has removed its deep-fryers from the cafeteria.  The move was announced in March and took effect on April 1st.  It comes seven years after the hospital announced that the use of tobacco products were prohibited on campus.  That decision was made to protect patients, visitors and staff alike.  This latest change was also made to support the same key stakeholders.  Most importantly, Vidant Chowan leadership feels that as a hospital it has an obligation to provide healthier food in order to promote total health.          

“We recognize that we have to promote the health of our patients, visitors and employees,” said Jeff Sackrison, president of Vidant Chowan Hospital.  “When a significant portion of our own employees are not at a healthy body mass index, we realize that we have to do a better job of educating ourselves on healthy eating habits and exercise.  We are a center of health and wellness excellence and this move will allow us to practice what we prescribe by no longer offering fried food in our cafeteria.”  

Vidant Health as a system reports that nearly 73 percent of all employees have a poor nutrition and consume less than three servings of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis.  Vidant Chowan wants to decrease these numbers and understands that serving healthier meals will help contribute to a turn around.      

Eating healthy not only costs less at Vidant Chowan, since it has priced its healthier meal options lower than those that are not as healthy, but it also decreases calorie and fat intake.  A deep fried chicken breast has 200 calories and 10 grams of fat.  By comparison, a skinless roasted chicken breast has 170 calories and 6.6 grams of fat.  All of the food served at the hospital eatery is clearly marked, allowing patrons the option of making a wise choice.  Now everyone who visits the cafeteria will have even more healthier options.  Vidant Chowan nutrition services manager, Julie Keeter along with her staff, have rolled out additional meal options while offering taste testing for employees.  Additionally, employees and visitors are encouraged to offer suggestions for new healthy dishes.    

“In 2012, our food services team developed and posted a new food services mission statement to support healthier eating,” said Matt Gitzinger, director of clinical and support services and organizer for the movement.  “The mission statement reads, ‘to provide our visitors and employees with nutritious and affordable food choices that support healthy lifestyles.’  We care about the health and well-being of our staff and feel this move was needed.  It aligns perfectly with our organizations mission of enhancing the quality of life for the people and communities we serve, touch and support.”    

Vidant Chowan is not the first hospital to remove its fryers.  In October 2012, 150 hospitals pledged to remove their fryers as part of the Partnership for a Healthier America (http://www.advisory.com/Daily-Briefing/2012/10/09/150-hos...).  In 2009, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital in New Hampshire removed their fryers.  Within two years, employees with a body mass index over 30 decreased from 29 percent to 22.5 percent.

One of the first hospitals nationwide that removed its fryers was the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.  The clinic eliminated trans fats in 2006 and then removed fried foods.  The hospital said its nearly 8,000 employees have shed 260,000 pounds since the changes began.    

“Choosing to remove the fryers at Vidant Chowan Hospital is making a commitment to the staff and community that we care about their health and what they consume while visiting the cafeteria,” said Hunter Balltzglier, wellness coordinator for the hospital.  “We have always known that fried foods are not healthy for us, and that it can lead to obesity and other health disparities. By "throwing out" our fryers we can set the bar high and let everyone know that you can still get delicious food while being good to your heart.”

So the next time you visit the Vidant Chowan Hospital cafeteria, you will notice an increase of healthy delicious food options.  Come join them for a healthy, great tasting meal at a lower price.