ECU Health continues to work to lead positive change to support the health and well-being of the communities we proudly serve, and that impact can be seen and tasted in the health system's nine hospital cafeterias, where food and nutrition team members create delicious, healthy food options for patients and visitors.
With an emphasis on plant-based diets that support health, well-being and healing experiences, the Food and Nutrition team plays a key role in ECU Health’s team member and community-focused Blue Zones initiative and was recently recognized with the North Carolina Hospital Association’s 2024 Highsmith Innovation Award.
ECU Health's four Blue Zones initiatives include the Team Member Blue Zones Challenge, Plant-Based Meals for Patients and Team Members, Wellness Center Blue Zones, and initiatives targeting Bertie, Chowan and Dare counties. ECU Health puts community first and is partnering with local food banks and churches to spread the word about the initiative and educate the community that healthy, plant-based meals are not only nutritious, but delicious too.
Members of the Food and Nutrition team pose for a photo during the Blue Zones Luncheon at East Carolina Heart Institute at East Carolina University.
None of this would be possible without the expertise of the Food and Nutrition team. With approximately 300 Food and Nutrition team members helping prepare approximately 3.5 million healthy, delicious meals at ECU Health facilities across the region, the team provides healthy meals for patients, families and team members. Every day, the ECU Health Food and Nutrition team prepares globally inspired menu items with a high plant-based ingredient list, including tandoori chicken, chipotle chicken tacos and sushi.
“ECU Health is incredibly fortunate to have such an incredible food and nutrition team, who are at the very heart of our work to encourage healthy lifestyles through our Blue Zones initiative,” said Dr. Christina Bowen, chief health officer for ECU Health. “Our team members and communities benefit from their incredible work, and their passion for creating meals that are not only delicious but also healthy is a vital part of the positive change we are leading in eastern North Carolina.”
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