Connecticut Hospital Innovates Their Food Service with Help from Local Sustainable Food Professional

WALLINGFORD, Conn., Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New Milford Hospital's wildly successful transition to a sustainable food model was recently featured in a New York Times article titled New Milford Hospital Defies Stereotypes (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/nyregion/new-milford-hospital-cafe-defies-stereotypes.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=dining).

The hospital's first step was to contract with John Turenne, Founder and President of Sustainable Food Systems LLC and former executive chef of Yale University's Sustainable Foods Project, to conduct an assessment, create an action plan, assist in finding the right partner in a food service management company and work with the transition team to implement an improved food service with a strong commitment to sustainability.

The combination of the hospital's eagerness for change and Turenne's more than 30 years of experience in food service management was the perfect recipe. Together they coordinated a transition team that built a custom food service model that meets the needs of management, patients, staff and the community.

Since the transition, the hospital's bistro-like cafe has become a popular lunch, dinner and take-out spot with hospital staff and members of the community. One big fan is Mayor Patricia Murphy. "Sometimes I find myself sitting at my desk thinking I've just got to have some of that chicken salad; it's the best," Ms. Murphy said.

How can you go wrong? The gourmet entrees are affordable, prepared by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, with ingredients from local farms or from the hospital's own rooftop garden. Lunch menus have included specials like grilled pork topped with polenta and accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed kale at the bargain price of $5.

If you happen to be in New Milford, Connecticut stop by the hospital for lunch and see a successful sustainable food service model in action.

Sustainable Food Systems continues to bring their brand of change to individuals, communities, and organizations. If you would like to start a Food Revolution or learn more about the services they offer, contact the company at http://www.sustainablefoodsystems.com or 203-294-9683.

About Sustainable Food Systems

With over 30 years in the food service industry, Sustainable Food Systems partners with healthcare facilities, public and private schools, universities, business dining facilities and community organizations to incorporate sustainability practices that are healthier for clients, local economies and the planet.

Contact:

John Turenne
President & Founder
Sustainable Food Systems LLC
203-294-9683
[email protected]
http://www.sustainablefoodsystems.com  

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SOURCE Sustainable Food Systems LLC