‘It’s Not A Snack, It’s A Meal’: Staff Speaks Out On Hospital Food Initiative For Being Unhealthy

A healthcare worker has raised serious concerns about a new hospital “snack” initiative, warning that what is being offered is far from a light refreshment and may actually be undermining…

A healthcare worker has raised serious concerns about a new hospital “snack” initiative, warning that what is being offered is far from a light refreshment and may actually be undermining public health efforts.

Speaking anonymously to Lovin Malta, the worker said that snacks provided so far, including curry egg sandwiches, Indian sandwhich, tuna and cheese beżżun, often paired with a large muffin, can easily add up to 1,000 calories or more.

“That’s a substantial meal, not a snack,” they said, questioning how this aligns with the initiative’s stated aim of supporting staff during demanding shifts.

The worker also highlighted practical and inclusivity issues, noting that meat-based options have been supplied when vegetarian staff were on duty, and that food has been distributed despite some staff having known allergies or intolerances.

Even more concerning, they said, is that the options are “predominantly carbohydrate-based and high-glycaemic”, raising doubts about whether they reflect evidence-based nutritional guidance or the diverse needs of healthcare workers.

While welcoming any effort to support staff working long, emotionally draining and physically exhausting shifts, the healthcare worker warned of mixed messaging. “We’re expected to promote healthy lifestyles to patients every day,” they said.

“Yet within a hospital setting, we’re routinely being offered high-calorie, high-glycaemic foods.” In a country where BMI, pre-diabetes and diabetes rates are among the highest in Europe, they argued this risks contradicting national public health strategies.

The worker stressed that healthcare staff, particularly shift workers, are already vulnerable to meal skipping, excessive caffeine intake and poor-quality diets.

“The workplace food environment should help counteract this, not reinforce it,” they said, calling instead for options like fresh fruit, nuts, whole grains and seed mixes.

According to them, a more balanced approach would still support staff during tough shifts, without normalising habits that could contribute to long-term metabolic health problems.

It is ironic that the hospital’s ‘snack initiative’ provides items that can total around 1,000 calories, which is roughly a quarter or one third of an average adult’s recommended daily intake.

What’s intended to be a light boost during a shift ends up being more like a substantial meal, blurring the line between a quick pick-me-up and a full-blown caloric load.

In a setting where healthcare workers are expected to model healthy eating for patients, offering snacks that alone account for such a significant portion of the daily calorie budget sends a contradictory message, one that undermines both staff wellbeing and the public health principles they are meant to uphold.

What do you make of this situation?

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