University of Wisconsin (UW) Health will stop serving sugar-sweetened beverages at their facilities, according to an article on the WKOW website. The system is also eliminating all fried food from cafeterias and restaurants.
Changes would include food-service locations, vending machines, kiosks, catering at the hospital and administrative buildings.
To replace these sugary beverages, health officials have brought in several healthier options including diet sodas, juice drinks, vitamin waters, sparkling waters, unsweetened teas and coconut water. The health system's carry-in policy will still allow patients, staff and visitors to bring in sugary drinks.
UW Health already removed all fried foods and sugary drinks from their inpatient food menus back in March. They did receive some backlash after eliminating french fries from the menu. Chefs are working to provide baked french fries for young patients in the pediatric division.