Sodas, fried foods leaving hospitals

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Sugary drinks and fried food will soon be a thing of the past in IU Health hospitals across Indiana.

The hospitals are eliminating sugary soda and other drinks as well as fried food from their menu options as part of the “Hospital Healthy Food Initiative” – a nationwide effort organized by the Partnership for a Healthier America to promote better health.

Across the country, 155 hospitals are taking part.

"We say that we're for children’s health and for rehabilitation of adult health and we really just want to walk our talk,” said Matthew Titzer, Director of Nutrition and Dietetics at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.

Titzer said Riley and the other Indianapolis hospitals affiliated with IU Health will make the changes next month. The other campuses will follow later in the year.

The hospitals are also clearly marking which foods are healthier than others and making those healthier dishes more affordable.

"So you can get a piece of salmon, brussell sprouts and brown rice for about $3.29 or you could get a piece of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy for about $5.29,” said Titzer.

"Leading by example and offering the kids and families the things that we think are healthy is the right thing to do,” said Dr. Greg Montgomery as he stood in line at the Riley Cafeteria.  “And we eat here everyday and we should be leading by example and eating healthy as well."

The hospitals will also bake foods instead of frying them.

With nearly 2,000 meals served a day at Riley alone, Titzer said it's a good start to inspiring healthier choices for the whole community.

"We're reaching a big group," he said.

The hospitals will still offer diet soda and the lighter versions of juice and sports drinks.

The McDonald's at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health will not be effected.