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Allina Health to terminate McDonald's and unhealthy vending kiosk food from hospitals

Nonprofit health care group Allina Health has announced it plans to eliminate sugary beverages and fried foods from its hospital cafeterias, cafes and vending kiosks. Also one of its hospitals is terminating its contract with McDonald's.

December 2, 2015

Nonprofit health care group Allina Health has announced it plans to eliminate sugary beverages and fried foods from its hospital cafeterias, cafes and vending kiosks by Jan. 1, 2016. One of its hospitals, Abbot Northwestern Hospital, also will terminate its lease agreement with McDonald's, according to a press release.

This decision will affect all of the company's 13 hospitals and 90 clinics in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. It is part of an intiative by Allina called "Choose Healthy," in which the hospital will phase out sugary drinks and fatty foods with healthier food options in its cafeteria and kiosks, according to a press release.

"I applaud Allina Health’s decision to provide a healthier environment for its patients and employees," said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Ed Ehlinger. "Deep-fried foods and sugar-sweetened drinks have little nutritional value, and Allina Health’s elimination of these foods and beverages, along with the introduction of a greater variety of healthy options, sends a strong and positive message to patients, employees, and the broader community."