Planetary Health
Changing the future of food in health care to improve the health of people and the planet we all depend on.
One-third of greenhouse gas emissions come from food systems. The Canadian health care system has a four-billion-dollar opportunity for climate action.
Food offers a straightforward, and delicious way for health care providers to improve planetary health. By transforming menus to feature climate-friendly ingredients, health care can significantly reduce food-related emissions, waste, and support regenerative food systems to better feed communities.
Health care food providers can make bold changes to improve the health of their patients, community, and the planet.
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Reduce Food Waste
Over half the food served in hospitals is thrown out, but a transition to improved meal systems can impact patient eating and drastically reduce waste.
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Adopt Plant-Forward Menus
Transitioning to a menu serving more plant-forward ingredients and less animal products is one of the most impactful ways to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions.
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Values-Based Procurement
Health care institutions in Canada have a four billion dollar opportunity to harness their buying power for more resilient, delicious, and local food systems.
The Coolfood Pledge makes climate action simple and delicious
The Coolfood Pledge is a global initiative supporting food services to achieve the goal of a 25% reduction in food-related greenhouse gases by 2030.
Canadian Hospitals are taking the Coolfood Pledge
Nourish is partnered with the World Resources Institute to bring Coolfood to Canadian health care. We are working with a growing number of health care institutions to shift menus and purchasing for delicious climate action.
Your hospital can join the Nourish Commons and gain access to the Coolfood Pledge and community of practice, peer-to-peer networking, collaborative research opportunities and more!
Health Care Organizations that have signed the Coolfood Pledge
Coolfood in Canada by the numbers
37
Hospital sites are working on Coolfood
10.2
Million meals impacted by Coolfood
“I am thrilled to be part of the Coolfood Pledge to leverage the power of food in hospitals and calculate our climate action. The Planetary Health Menus Program provides an exciting opportunity for the health sector to improve menus and access tools that will guide food choices to bring wellness to patients and the planet.”
~ Elaine Chu, Royal Columbian Hospital
Values-Based Procurement of Food in Health Care
Health care institutions can create value for people and the planet through food sourcing. The implementation guide provides tools for putting values-based procurement into action.
