Butler Health System was recognized this week by Good Food, Healthy Hospitals for earning a bronze medal in just eight months for the healthy-eating initiative being undertaken at the health system.

The health system should be commended, not only for reaching this goal, but also doing so at a time when hospitals — Butler County included — have been overwhelmed with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Good Food, Healthy Hospitals is a Philadelphia-based initiative that aims to create a culture of wellness at hospitals by promoting healthier eating choices for patients, staff and visitors. BHS is the first health system in Western Pennsylvania to join the initiative.

Participating hospitals can be awarded bronze, silver or gold medals once they meet certain goals associated with the initiative.

BHS' Food Institute is a program in which doctors refer patients to learn how to prepare healthier meals for their families. Each client meets with a food liaison monthly for six months.

The program provides education on nutrition and shares healthy recipes with clients as well as the fresh ingredients required to prepare them. It gives clients cutting boards, kitchen knives and other tools needed to make the recipes, and even provides transportation to and from appointments when necessary.

This is a great program, and one that is needed in the region and pretty much anywhere in the United States.

In 2018, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that one-third of Americans eat fast food daily. A paper written last year by a panel of national nutrition experts noted that poor nutrition is the No. 1 cause of illness in the United States and is responsible for more than a half-million deaths per year.

Since it debuted six months ago in the former restaurant off Butler Memorial Hospital's Brady Street entrance, the Food Institute has worked with about 300 clients, all of whom were referred by medical specialists.

It's great that the program focuses on promoting healthier eating among its clients, but also for employees at the hospital and the broader community.

Among the successful methods of inspiring those at the hospital to eat healthier, the program teaches participants how to use the ingredients provided to make meals that are healthy, but also flavorful. Another incentive is that employees have punch cards that result in a free item after they have purchased nine healthy food or drink items.

“People don't realize you can eat healthy, and it tastes good,” said BHS chief community health officer Kathy Selvaggi. “To change how people look at food, you can't just give them the healthy ingredients; we have to teach them how to use them.”

Congratulations to the health system for receiving the bronze medal. We wish it success in obtaining the silver and gold.

— NCD