Philadelphia, PA, August 1, 2010 – ARAMARK Healthcare today announced the launch of Just for You for patients, a new initiative focused on supporting healthy eating and good nutrition for hospital patients. The program, rolling out to hospitals across the U.S. this year, is designed to encourage the healing process through positive food choices and create an environment where long-term health and wellness can flourish.
“Just for You encourages hospital patients to consider food and nutrition as a significant part of their health and well-being,” said Sharron Lent, RD, LD, Senior Director of Patient and Clinical Services at ARAMARK Healthcare. “This program focuses on providing communication materials that are fresh, forward looking and helpful. They include consumer-friendly information that will help simplify nutrition therapies, which can be a complex issue.”
The information that will be given to patients was reviewed by the American Dietetic Association to ensure consistency with the ADA’s Nutrition Care Manual, the most comprehensive and authoritative science-based resource covering all aspects of nutrition management.
“ARAMARK Healthcare has created a useful and practical way for registered dietitians to provide their patients with expert guidance and to empower them with the knowledge they need to make smart food choices in clinical settings and in every aspect of their lives,” said registered dietitian Judith C. Rodriguez, President of the American Dietetic Association. “Just for You will be a valuable consumer education program that supports ADA’s vision to optimize the nation’s health through food and nutrition.”
The Just for You program includes nine menus that address a variety of nutritional needs. Information regarding their diet makes it easier for patients to decide which items make the most sense for their dietary needs and personal preferences. For example, clear language explaining nutritional information is partnered with bright, user-friendly graphics to make it simple for patients to choose items that are low in fat, cholesterol or sodium.
Print material for the program includes a vibrant and health-focused design featuring fresh fruits, vegetables and seasonal elements. Collateral pieces containing health and wellness information include hospitality associate calling cards, tray liners and a brochure that can be used by hospital partners to explain the need for various diets to incoming patients. The program materials and nutritional information are presented by healthcare service associates who are trained to bring a fresh attitude to the daily task of meal service, by having a friendly face, greeting patients by name and understanding their specific dietary needs.
About ARAMARK Healthcare
ARAMARK Healthcare is a leader in providing best-in-class support services that are essential to healthcare delivery. Understanding that clinical excellence and the environment are interdependent, ARAMARK Healthcare directly impacts the entire healthcare continuum – patient, employee, nurse and physician satisfaction, operational efficiency and service excellence. Through its food, facility, and clinical technology services, ARAMARK Healthcare helps more than 1,000 hospitals and senior living facilities deliver the optimal experience for patients and residents, their families, and the physicians, nurses and staff who care for them. For more information, visit http://www.aramarkhealthcare.com.
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by the Ethisphere Institute, as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at www.twitter.com/aramarknews.
Contacts:
Chris Collom
215-238-3593
collom-chris@aramark.com
Nicole Kennedy
215-238-8241
kennedy-nicole@aramark.com