Not all food served at medical institutions is good, even though that might seem incredibly contradictory. Studies have found that hospital malnutrition affects around 30-50% of patients worldwide due to the nutrition decline they may experience during their stay.

It’s important to understand that hospitals often operate on strict budgets and are already scrambling to cope with emergencies. In the midst of all that chaos, it may be tough for them to keep up the highest food and nutritional standards for their patients. 

That’s why the ‘Rate My Hospital Plate’ group doesn’t exist to shame medical institutions, it’s more of a fun initiative where patients can find support and connect with one another. People even write kind words in the comments to help improve the morale of posters who are sick.

Considering the budget constraints and the already massive strain on medical facilities, experts suggest that hospitals can improve food quality by first providing less processed foods. If they partner with local businesses, they can find healthier take-out options or even fresher meals.

Doctors and nurses can also encourage patients to bring home-cooked meals if their circumstances allow it. Medical institutions should try to provide more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Even if they can’t meet all of these criteria, a few small changes can drastically help patient health and recovery during their stay.

There are some hospitals that go above and beyond for their patients’ health. In 2018, the UC Davis Medical Center hired a local chef to manage a new initiative called ‘farm-to-fork.’ They prioritized serving locally grown plant-based meals to improve nutrition. The program, which is still in place today, even won a James Beard Foundation award.

This kind of initiative shows that the people in charge of medical institutions have the power to make changes that can benefit their patients and staff. They just need to develop innovative ways of making that a reality.

If you’ve been admitted to the hospital, the meals being served will probably be the last thing on your list of worries. What you’ve got to understand is that eating nutritious food can help your body recover faster and gain strength. 

In case your hospital meals aren’t up to par, here are a few things you can do to take control of what you’re eating:

1. If the hospital has a menu system, check with the staff or dieticians if they can provide you with healthier substitutes of what’s being served.
2. Get home-cooked meals delivered, but before doing this, ask permission from the clinician in charge.
3. Check for better meal plans that provide more vegetables, nuts, high-carb food, and protein.

If you’re a gourmet, hospital food may not be for you. Based on these pictures, I think we’d be able to scarf down most of these meals, while some would have to be reserved for folks with braver stomachs. 

Which of the photos on this list did you like the best, and which one shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments, and do share if you have hospital food stories of your own.