Are you a teacher, researcher, student or in any other way interested in our collaboration? Every month the EWUU alliance organises an online session about research and education of the alliance. On the 26th of June, the Lunch & Learn focusses on Sustainable diets in hospitals. Join us: Please register here.
As the protein transition gains momentum in the Netherlands, hospitals are exploring how to serve more plant-based and fewer animal-based meals. In the Netherlands, the ‘National Prevention Agreement’ (NPA) sets the goal of reaching a healthy food environment in all Dutch hospitals by 2030. This shift promises environmental and health benefits, but it also raises important questions—especially in clinical settings where adequate nutrition, including meeting increased protein requirements, plays a critical role in patient recovery.
We’re very happy to have Annemieke Kok (UMCU) and Celia Bannenberg (WUR) who are involved in transdisciplinary research projects that investigate protein quantity, quality, and environmental impact of hospital meals and explore how the protein transition can be facilitated in a healthcare setting.
Agenda
12:15 Welcome and introduction
12:20 Lunch & Learn Session Sustainable diets in hospitals: challenges and opportunities in the protein transition for patients
Shifting towards a diet with more plant-based and fewer animal-based proteins is better for the environment and healthier for most Dutch people. However, in hospital settings, ensuring sufficient protein intake remains vital for patient recovery, particularly for those at risk for malnutrition. Our study ”Diets in Dutch Hospitals” gained more insight in the protein quantity and quality, as well as in the environmental impact of foods and meals offered to patients in hospitals. Besides, an overview of challenges and facilitators for the protein transition in hospital settings is presented.
Presented by: Celia Bannenberg (WUR) – MSc, PhD student, EWUU seed grant project Diets in Dutch Hospitals: setting the scene for healthy, protein adequate, and sustainable menus.
Protein transition in clinical practice: little is known about the consequences of a transition to more plant-based diets on recovery and health outcomes of patients admitted to hospitals. What are the specific points of attention regarding protein quality and quantity in the context of the protein transition for patients at risk for malnutrition with increased protein requirements? Is it possible to meet these needs with a primarily plant-based diet, and how can patients apply this at home? What tools are available to support the protein transition?
Presented by: Annemieke Kok (UMCU) – Dietitian, researcher EWUU seed grant project Diets in Dutch Hospitals: setting the scene for healthy, protein adequate, and sustainable menus and NFU project sustainable nutrition in hospitals -Green Deal for Sustainable Healthcare.
12:50 Q&A
Want to prepare for the Lunch and Learn session? Read this interview with Sander Biesbroek, who is also involved in the Diets in Dutch Hospitals project.