The month of March is dedicated to National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is “Eat Right, Bite by Bite.” The theme focuses on the idea that quality nutrition isn’t restrictive and that small changes to a diet can have a cumulative effect on one’s health over time.
Since March is National Nutrition Month, we want to celebrate the team that focuses on providing healthy meals for our patients, team members and community. NARMC’s Food and Nutrition Department, commonly referred to as FANS, prides itself on nourishing our community.
On average, FANS produces 22,000 meals per month for our patients, patients’ family members, NARMC team members, physicians and community members. Of those 22,000 meals, 13,000 of those are provided in the cafeteria, 5,000 are meals delivered to patient rooms and 2,000 are catered meals.
“We have an incredible team that is responsible for providing healthy meals and snacks to our patients and community,” FANS Director Paula Cantu said. “Everyone from hostesses, cooks, food service techs to dietitians, all play a role in nourishing our community.”
FANS also provides meals to Hospice of the Hills and Independent Living, Inc. when needed. FANS caters events in the community including events hosted by the North Arkansas Medical Foundation such as the upcoming Boots and Bling gala.
The NARMC Cafeteria is open to the public throughout the week. On any given day, one will find community members enjoying lunch in the cafeteria.
NARMC Cafeteria Hours:
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Hot food offered the entire period)
Lunch: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Hot food offered between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
Dinner: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Hot food offered between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Mon- Fri)
NARMC Dietitians also offer Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). A dietitian will sit down with you to help you formulate a nutrition plan to best suit your needs. If you are interested in learning more about evidence-based, individualized nutrition, discuss the possibility of outpatient medical nutrition therapy with your primary care provider. Appointments are made by a physician’s referral and will be scheduled through NARMC Central Scheduling.