HHS aligns with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ renewed emphasis on the critical role of food and nutrition services in advancing patient health outcomes.
As a national provider of both hospital food service operations and clinical dietitian services, HHS recognizes that nutrition is a fundamental component of patient care—not only during hospitalization, but as a driver of long-term health and recovery.
HHS' Culinary Commitment has always had a 'Food First' Philosophy
Delivering superior nutrition through high-quality, minimally processed ingredients that are fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced to prioritize patient health outcomes and drive long-term recovery, this continued mindset has positioned us in a positive place related to the updated nutritional guidelines.
We are actively partnering with our hospital clients to ensure menu & strategy alignment with CMS Conditions of Participation, including:
Comprehensive Policy Review:
Conducting system-wide evaluations of food and nutrition service policies to ensure alignment with current federal dietary guidance and regulatory expectations that also keeps patient satisfaction in mind.
Clinical Integration & Leadership:
Empowering Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to lead interdisciplinary efforts that translate evidence-based nutrition standards into individualized, patient-centered care that allows promotion of caloric intake during the patient’s acute care stay with an educational focus on long-term dietary habits to manage specific chronic illnesses.
Menu & Procurement Optimization:
Continuing to advance menu strategies & products that prioritize nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods while maintaining flexibility to meet therapeutic diet needs and patient preferences. Evaluating current menu analysis to ensure alignment with the 2025-2030 nutritional guidelines.
Quality & Performance Alignment:
Integrating nutrition services into Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs to support measurable outcomes, patient satisfaction, and regulatory readiness.
Education & Continuity of Care:
Expanding patient and caregiver education to reinforce sustainable dietary practices beyond discharge, supporting improved long-term health outcomes.
We also acknowledge the importance of clinical appropriateness and operational feasibility, particularly across diverse care settings. HHS remains committed to delivering solutions that balance regulatory compliance with the realities of hospital operations, workforce considerations, and patient population needs.
As CMS reinforces expectations, HHS will continue to serve as a trusted partner—bringing together culinary innovation, clinical expertise, and operational excellence to elevate the standard of nutrition care across the communities we serve.