There are hundreds of reasons why patients may find themselves in the hospital, but one aspect of care is common to all – the need for proper nutrition.
A well-balanced diet can give a patient the building blocks to advance the healing process, mend tissue, and fight disease, often at a time when they need it the most.
The Department of Nutrition & Food Management understands this concept and is dedicated to helping develop an appetizing meal plan that is best suited for each patient’s unique needs.
Patients are encouraged to participate in their meal planning. For those who are able, representatives are available to take food orders over the phone. Patients who have difficulty using the phone may have their orders called in by a relative or have their orders taken at the bedside.
The department is happy to make accommodations to enable family members to dine with their hospitalized relatives. Patients and relatives are welcome to schedule meals at a time that fits into both of their schedules. Major credit cards are accepted for visitor meals (patient meals are included with their care). Meals are delivered within 60 minutes of the order. If patients learn that testing and treatment services conflict with the meal order, they are encouraged to call and reschedule.
Patients who need assistance with communicating their food orders can rest assured that they will still receive three well-balanced meals a day and whatever help they need from caring nurses and nutrition assistants.
Food Safety
For some hospitalized patients undesirable food interactions can be as harmful as drug interactions. For this reason, Hackensack University Medical Center employs state-of-the-art software to track each patients’ dietary requirements and restrictions orderedby their physicians. Nutrition assistants have access to food guidelines tailored toeach patient's individual needs to help them make educated decisions about food and portion choices. Taking an active role in their own meal planning during their hospital stays helps reinforce healthier eating practices after discharge for our patients.
Family & Friends
Guest meals may be ordered from our extensive patient menu from 7AM to 7:30PM at a fixed price. Visitors are also welcome to visit any of the following venues on campus:
The Second Street Cafe from 6:30AM to 8PM and from 1 – 3AM, Monday through Friday, and limited hours Saturday and Sunday. The Second Street Cafe is located on the ground floor of the Pavilion building. It offers a wide array of foods for every appetite.
The Aquarium Cafe is open from 6:30AM to 6:30PM daily and is located off the main entrance of the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. It offers light bistro fare, from gourmet coffees and teas to salads, sandwiches, desserts, and snacks.
The Lobby Cafe is open from 6AM until 9PM Monday through Friday and 6:30AM until 8PM Saturday and Sunday. Located off the main entrance on the first floor Link Lobby, it offers light bistro fare, from gourmet coffees and teas to salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
The Plaza Cafe kiosk is open from 7AM until 3:30PM Monday through Friday. Located in the Palm Court on the ground level in the Medical Plaza, it offers light fare from soup, salads, sandwiches, coffee and teas.
Vending machines are located in the Second Street dining area, at various locations throughout the medical center, and are available 24 hours.