Americans Demand Healthier Hospital Menus, Ban Fast Food

Public Discontent Grows as Fast-Food Chains Appear in Medical Centers

A significant majority of Americans believe unhealthy fast food, such as cheeseburgers and fried chicken, has no place in hospitals. A recent poll reveals strong public sentiment against the sale and profit from such outlets within healthcare facilities.

Public Outcry Against Hospital Fast Food

A poll conducted from July 1 to 3, 2025, found that 52% of 2,202 U.S. adults surveyed said fast food shouldn’t be sold in hospitals. Furthermore, 57% opposed hospitals profiting from these businesses on their grounds. An overwhelming 85% agreed that these foods do not promote good health.

This public opinion aligns with findings from a new report by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Their research indicates that Chick-fil-A, a popular fast-food chain, operates within at least 20 U.S. hospitals and medical centers, according to the restaurant’s own website.

Concerns Over Chicken Consumption

“While many people consider chicken to be a healthier option than red meat, consuming chicken can increase cholesterol just as much as eating red meat,” stated **Anna Herby**, DHSc, RD, CDCES, nutrition education specialist for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. She oversees the organization’s Healthy Hospital Program and advocates for plant-based alternatives.

Herby added, “Hospital staff, visitors, and patients would benefit by choosing more chickpeas and other plant-based foods instead of chicken.” Studies have linked chicken consumption to higher cancer risks, and fried chicken, specifically, to an increased risk of heart disease. One recent study indicated that eating 300 grams of poultry weekly raised the risk of gastrointestinal cancer and all-cause mortality. Another study published in *BMJ* found women eating fried chicken daily had a 13% higher risk of death from any cause.

Push for Plant-Based Hospital Menus

In 2017, the American Medical Association passed a resolution encouraging hospitals to offer plant-based meals and remove processed meats like chicken nuggets from their menus.

“Hospitals should set an example by ensuring that their restaurants serve more menu items that are cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat, and high in fiber-rich vegetables, grains, beans, and fruit. Meals like these have been shown to help prevent or improve the chronic diseases that bring people to the hospital.”

—Dr. Anna Herby, DHSc, RD, CDCES, nutrition education specialist, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Supporting Healthier Hospital Environments

The Physicians Committee’s Healthy Hospital Program provides free resources to institutions aiming to increase plant-based menu selections. These resources include patient education materials and recipes designed to empower individuals to manage their health during and after their hospital stay.

A 2023 report by the National Academy for State Health Policy found that 23 states have enacted or are considering legislation to restrict the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in hospitals, reflecting a growing trend toward healthier healthcare environments (National Academy for State Health Policy 2023).