Revolutionizing Veteran Care: Birmingham VA Unveils Exciting Culinary Transformations

Studies show that good food is the foundation of health, and this approach doesn't just cut medical costs, it improves and saves lives. In September of 2022, the White House held a conference on hunger, nutrition, and health, (Conference Videos | health.gov) and since then, the topic of "food as medicine" has been listed on the menu for Veteran care across the country. Recognizing the pivotal role of good food in health, a Strategic Goal was created for Enhanced Dining. 

The Birmingham VA is thrilled to be a part of this exciting movement and announce some mouth-watering changes to include a wider variety of fresh ingredients and scratch menu options with increased food choices.

Get Ready for a Feast of Choice and Freshness:

• More Variety: The new menu will offer a wider selection of delicious options daily, giving Veterans greater control over their dining experience. Among these are Caesar salad with chicken, cottage cheese and fruit plates, fresh seasonal fruits, a rainbow of vegetable choices, herb-crusted catfish, creamy pasta Romanoff, and juicy baked pork chops.
• Star Meals: Each day will feature a special "Star Menu" showcasing a signature dish, like a comforting roast turkey dinner or a savory beef sirloin. With the help of one of our NFS hosts, Veterans can choose any or all these star items or mix and match with their favorites from the "Always Available" menu.
• Scratch Made Goodness: Say goodbye to reheated frozen dinners! Under the leadership of, Megan Mihaly, Chief, Nutrition and Food Service, along with Jennifer Maranowicz, Assistant Chief of Food Production and Dana Drake, Assistant Chief of Clinical Nutrition, the Birmingham VA is moving towards fresh, scratch-made recipes. Imagine steaming hot lasagna plated with a flourish, not just a cardboard box waiting to be reheated. 
• Cook-Serve, Not Cook-Chill: The Birmingham VA is transforming the old Cook-Chill system where food was prepared, frozen, and reheated. Instead, with the new Cook-Serve system, talented chefs will cook hot, fresh meals right before service, ensuring quality and flavor in every bite.
• More choice for Veterans: Staff will take meal orders one day in advance with set delivery times on each ward so Veterans are aware of when their meal will arrive. 

To ensure a seamless transition, the Service is refining workflows, establishing set delivery times, and creating recipes. “We even have new plates that will be placed on skid-resistant trays to avoid slipping. (And they are white plates on black trays which is a great feature for our Blind Rehab patients.) The table is set, and we look forward to creating a 5-star experience,” smiled Mihaly. 

Motivated by a passion to help others eat in a healthier way that followed the death of her grandmother of diabetes, Mihaly approaches food as a part of healing. That approach is felt in the team, by the Veterans, and flavors the food. 

Beyond the Plate: A 5-Star Dining Experience: Coming soon!

• Kitchen Remodel: The future is bright! Our kitchen is getting a makeover to match the upgraded dining experience.
• Recipe Book: Soon, Veterans will be able to recreate their favorite NFS dishes at home with a special recipe book featuring our chefs' culinary creations.
• Room Service: “Order, coming up!” In a few years, Veterans soon will have the option of ordering room service, turning their hospital stay into a truly pampering experience.

People are talking:

The entire NFS team is energized with excitement! “The cooks can't wait to showcase their skills, and we're already hearing stories of Veterans salivating, hearing about the upcoming changes,” Mihaly continues, “and the best part is hearing from Veterans who love the food.”

A Taste of Transformation:

While patients need to be a Veteran to experience this room service-like atmosphere, the Birmingham VA's NFS transformation will be a shining example of how health care is evolving to put patient well-being and satisfaction at the forefront. It's about treating the whole person, and that includes nourishing their body and soul with delicious, healthy food and exceptional service.

Being in the hospital can be an unsettling experience for Veterans, caretakers, and their loved ones that means leaving the comfort of familiarity. The Birmingham VA NFS team will bring not just a hot meal, but warmth to the stay and serve Veterans a dining experience with the comforts of home. Food is healing. “That’s our passion and what we do, “concludes Mihaly. “It’s one of the many reasons Veterans choose Birmingham VA for their care.” 

(For a virtual taste, click the video link: Nutrition & Food Service - Cook Serve Birmingham - YouTube.)