Whether you’re a visitor, patient, or staff member, hospitals invoke something in all of us to think about wellness.

Hippocrates (of the Hippocratic Oath physicians take) said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” So, shouldn’t the very environment designed to foster healing offer restorative food choices?

Hospital cafeterias don’t always offer the best or healthiest options. If they do, these options are limited to when the cafeteria is open. “Hospital food” has gotten a bad rep over the years, but that doesn’t have to always be the case.

Hunger can strike at any time, and since most hospitals never close, it’s essential to have food options available 24/7. Loading grab-and-go kiosks with healthy foods can be a game-changer for hospital food service operators, staff, and visitors. (link to healthy foods articles) These kiosks have a huge impact on the many operational aspects of a hospital:

• Staff Performance: Hospital staff work long and demanding shifts, often 12-24 hours at once. Easy access to healthy meals and snacks throughout the day can allow staff to maintain their own wellness, which ultimately leads to better patient care.
• Visitor Needs: Family and friends supporting loved ones may spend long hours at the hospital. No one wants to eat dinner out of a vending machine. Having healthy grab-and-go options ensures visitors are comfortable and nourished.

The Advantages of Grab-and-Go Food Kiosks In Hospital

• Space-saving and Convenience: Grab-and-go kiosks require less space than full-service cafeterias, allowing them to be placed in high-traffic areas without requiring access to a full kitchen.
• Variety: Kiosks can be stocked with various healthy choices catering to different diets. Some of these options can include pre-cut fruit, sandwiches, and high-protein salads. Visit our list to check out other healthy grab-and-go options.
• Time-saving: People in a hospital setting are often focused on other priorities, and healthy eating takes a back burner. By providing healthy options at grab-and-go kiosks, diners don’t have to wait in long cafeteria lines. They can grab something to eat quickly and spend their time focused on other things,
• Accessibility: Kiosks strategically placed throughout the hospital ensure that food is easily accessible to everyone, including those with mobility issues.
• Profitability: Self-checkout and autonomous kiosks can offer 24/7 access to healthy food options without the costly overhead staffing requirements for a cafeteria or café.

How to Bring Grab-and-Go Food Kiosks to Hospitals

For grab-and-go kiosks to work in hospital settings, food service operators should be mindful of the following:

• Strategic Placement: To optimize convenience and sales, kiosks should be positioned in high-traffic areas, such as waiting rooms, staff lounges, and near patient units.
• Implement Behavioral Design Strategies: The CDC offers behavioral design strategies that foodservice operators can use to promote healthier eating. Some of these guidelines include strategic placement of healthier food options or implementing lower pricing on “better-for-you” items to promote nutritious choices.
• Sustainability Practices: Using eco-friendly packaging and minimizing food waste can demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to overall health.
• Partner with The Right Vendors: Bringing food kiosks to your hospital may seem like a huge undertaking, but it can be a seamless and easy experience with the right implementation partner.

For over 40 years, Gallery Carts has brought food kiosks, mobile carts, and EVs to hospitals, transportation centers, and campuses nationwide. We’d love to show you how bringing a Gallery Cart kiosk to your hospital can promote staff well-being and a wellness-focused environment for patients and visitors.

Contact us to learn more about our mobile cart and hospital food kiosk offerings.