Senator Moody Works with HHS to Make Food in Florida Hospitals Healthier and Praises Tampa General Being the First to Sign the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senator Ashley Moody is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make food in Florida hospitals healthier. Today, Tampa General became the very first hospital in the nation to sign the HHS Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. The hospitals that sign the pledge are committing to providing healthier, more nutritious food for patients. Tampa General has pledged to limit ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugar, deep fried foods, and so many more menu items that contribute to chronic disease.

"If any place should serve healthy food, I think we can all agree, it's a hospital. I'm excited Tampa General is leading the charge by signing on to the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. This announcement comes after my office has worked with HHS to find ways to ensure Florida is at the forefront of improving our nation's health," said Senator Ashley Moody.

"Hospitals exist to heal people, and the food they serve should help patients recover-not contribute to the chronic disease that brought so many there in the first place. That's why the Trump administration launched the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. Every patient deserves real, nutritious food that supports healing. I commend Tampa General Hospital for leading by example and encourage every hospital to join us," saidSecretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

"Real food starts with America's farmers and ranchers, who produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. President Trump has made it clear that making America healthy again begins with putting wholesome, American-grown food back at the center of our institutions. USDA is proud to partner with Secretary Kennedy and HHS to ensure more wholesome, nutrient-dense food reaches our schools, hospitals, and communities. We are thrilled Tampa General is joining this pledge, because when we connect patients and families with American-grown foods, we strengthen public health while supporting the hardworking producers who make it all possible," said Secretary Brooke Rollins.

BACKGROUND:

• As part of the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, hospitals that sign the pledge commit to aligning patient food services with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That means they plan to:

• Limit ultra-processed foods.
• Limit sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Ensure meals limit added sugar.
• Limit processed meats and foods high in added sugars, sodium, and artificial additives.
• Emphasize whole grains over refined grains.
• Prioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options.
• Emphasize vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, and healthy fats.
• Use baked, broiled, roasted, stir-fried, or grilled preparation methods; eliminate deep frying.

• Senator Moody talked with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during a committee hearing about the department's efforts to improve Americans' health via dietary changes.
• Prior to the current administration, the overwhelming majority of medical students received no nutrition education-less than 1% of lecture hours in medical schools were dedicated to nutrition. Earlier in the year, HHS secured historic agreements with more than 50 top medical schools in America to require comprehensive nutrition education. Six Florida schools were part of this agreement.

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