Improving the Food Environment in Hospitals and Senior Meal Programs

Prev Chronic Dis. 2018 Feb 15:15:E22. doi: 10.5888/pcd15.170429.

Abstract

Most Americans consume more than the recommended daily level of sodium, and tools are needed to assess and improve food practices related to sodium. We describe how the Sodium Practices Assessment Tool (SPAT) was developed and used in 19 hospitals and senior meal facilities in upstate New York. Initial results identified opportunities for improvement in food preparation, presentation, and purchasing practices to reduce sodium consumption. Pre-post comparison results showed significant increases in the use of herbs, spices, unsalted butter, fruits and vegetables, and in the availability of lower-sodium foods. Food service sites can use SPAT to assess sodium practices, inform development of action plans, and measure change over time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Diet, Healthy / methods
  • Diet, Healthy / statistics & numerical data
  • Food Service, Hospital / standards*
  • Food Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Menu Planning / standards*
  • New York
  • Nutritive Value*
  • Sodium, Dietary / administration & dosage
  • Sodium, Dietary / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Sodium, Dietary