TAMPA, Fla. – Senator Ashley Moody is working alongside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to bring healthier food choices to Florida hospitals, starting with a national first in Tampa.
Tampa General Hospital has officially become the first hospital in the United States to sign the federal government’s Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. By signing, the hospital commits to reforming its menus, specifically aiming to restrict items linked to chronic diseases, including deep-fried foods, ultra-processed items, sugar-sweetened beverages, and excess added sugars.
The pledge aligns patient dining options with the federal 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Under its terms, participating hospitals agree to prioritize minimally processed proteins, whole grains over refined grains, and nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and seafood. Preparing food via baking, broiling, roasting, stir-frying, or grilling is emphasized, while deep-frying is eliminated.
The initiative follows a recent committee hearing where Senator Moody spoke with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about using dietary adjustments to improve overall public health.
“If any place should serve healthy food, I think we can all agree, it’s a hospital,” Senator Moody said. “I’m excited Tampa General is leading the charge by signing on to the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. This announcement comes after my office has worked with HHS to find ways to ensure Florida is at the forefront of improving our nation’s health.”
The pledge is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address chronic disease through institutional diet reform. According to administration officials, hospital meals should actively support recovery rather than reinforce the issues that lead to hospitalization.
“Hospitals exist to heal people, and the food they serve should help patients recover—not contribute to the chronic disease that brought so many there in the first place,” said Secretary Kennedy. “That’s why the Trump administration launched the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. Every patient deserves real, nutritious food that supports healing. I commend Tampa General Hospital for leading by example and encourage every hospital to join us.”
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving both the health department and agricultural officials. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that the program also aims to build a stronger connection between public health institutions and domestic food producers.
“Real food starts with America’s farmers and ranchers, who produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world,” Secretary Rollins said. “President Trump has made it clear that making America healthy again begins with putting wholesome, American-grown food back at the center of our institutions. USDA is proud to partner with Secretary Kennedy and HHS to ensure more wholesome, nutrient-dense food reaches our schools, hospitals, and communities. We are thrilled Tampa General is joining this pledge, because when we connect patients and families with American-grown foods, we strengthen public health while supporting the hardworking producers who make it all possible.”
The hospital pledge follows separate federal efforts targeting nutrition education in medicine. Prior to this year, less than 1% of lecture hours in American medical schools were dedicated to nutrition, leaving a vast majority of medical students without formal dietary training. Earlier this year, HHS reached agreements with over 50 major medical schools across the country—including six in Florida—to incorporate mandatory, comprehensive nutrition education into their curricula.
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