Creating a sustainable hospital food supply chain
(Book - Regular Print)

Includes bibliographical references.

Health systems are facing significant challenges in the climate of health care payment reform, and as a result sustainability efforts-- defined as taking into account social, environmental, and economic considerations when making business decisions-- are often given lower priority. In fact, sustainable business practices can support efforts to improve health. The existing literature and interviews with key leaders in sustainable hospital food supply chains indicate that a sustainable food supply chain can also benefit not only employee and patient stakeholders, but the environment and local economies. This case study examined the current food supply chain at York Hospital and provides recommendations for improving sustainability, resulting in a multi-year strategy to guide efforts. The combination of focusing on sustainability in the food supply chain and incorporating the strategy in the annual operating plan also increased leadership awareness of the issues and commitment to addressing them. The study recommends further analysis and research for improving sustainability in the food supply chain.