CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital Introduces Halal Menu

Beginning this month, CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital will add several halal options to its patient menu, meaning foods carefully prepared and processed according to Muslim culture and traditions.

“While in the hospital, most of our Muslim patients were having family bring food from home,” said CentraCare Community Health Specialist Hani Jacobson, RN, PHN. “We concluded that families should not have to worry about what loved ones eat on top of their health. We want to make sure all of our patients have nutritional options that are consistent with their culture and religious needs.”

Jacobson worked with Nutrition Services at the hospital to find foods familiar to Muslim patients, such as chicken shawarma and beef masala. Most of the foods also contain healthy anti-inflammatory spices from the Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern regions.

At Nutrition Services, we believe in the power of food – how it can help people heal and feel better while in the hospital,” said Sous Chef Kyle Wesenberg, Nutrition Services. “Simple ingredients, such as beef and chicken for protein and a combination of spices for a unique flavor, will have you wanting more. We invite patients of all backgrounds who are looking for something different to sample this food. The menu tastes great and I look forward to serving it.”

Most other large health systems in Minnesota carry halal menu options.