We spend a lot of time thinking about the hardworking men and women who do their best to make our healthcare visits a comfortable and beneficial experience.
From the orderlies and nurses to the doctors and surgeons we know all of these people work hard to help us get better. There’s one group of people who often go unrecognized for their efforts in our healthcare experience, and that’s the men and women who work hard to keep the patients and staff fed.
To recognize these amazing people The Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF) created Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week.
History of Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
This holiday was first created by an organization that would go on to become part of the AHF in 1985. It was through their dedication that the US Congress would officially recognize Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week and celebrate the men and women who have been providing much-needed nourishment for patients and staff for generations.
Healthcare Foodservice has been around as long as there have been hospitals to take care of the sick and infirm, and as food technology advanced so did their methods of caring for them.
Proper nutrition is a vital element for fighting off illness and recovering from injury, so these oft-overlooked men and women are just as important to your health as your physicians.
One of the greatest moments in Healthcare Foodservice History was the introduction of microwaves into their list of tools. The first foundation to do this was Kaiser Permanente, who decided that these incredible machines had a place in hospital food service.
The experiment was a resounding success, ensuring that patients meals were able to be served warm and delicious when they were able to eat. This made them the greatest thing to happen to hospital food service since the refrigerator.
How to Celebrate Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
To start your celebration of Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week stop by your local hospital or care facility and tell the food service staff there what a great job they’re doing.
While their efforts are central to the health and well-being of our loved ones they aren’t often recognized for the work they do and they’re worthy of every bit of praise you heap on them.
If you work at a healthcare facility then you can take steps to make sure this holiday is properly celebrated by preparing an event to give them the recognition they deserve.