Boston's Franciscan Children's Hospital Signs Foodservice Deal With Unidine

Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston has chosen Unidine Corp. to operate its dining program. Unidine will assume the management of more than 400 meals daily, with increased healthy and fresh options readily available to in-patient units and guests, onsite schools, residential programs and daycares. The transition began on June 15 and will be completed over the course of the following six months.

"We recognize the importance of good nutrition and how it relates to overall wellness," says Franciscan President/CEO John Nash. "We're pleased to partner with Unidine to achieve our goal of delighting children, families, students and staff with delicious, healthy and accessible food options."

Franciscan chose Unidine to create a dining program that reflects its focus on wellness and healthy eating and support its complete care model while delivering a dining experience that is customized to the unique characteristics of the hospital's community.

"We are proud to welcome Franciscan Hospital to our client family," says Unidine Founder/CEO Richard Schenkel. "By selecting Unidine as its partner, Franciscan Hospital is signaling its commitment to the enjoyment and well being of its patients, employees and guests with an innovative, universally appealing culinary experience and strategic approach to dining services."

Among the programs Unidine will implement at Franciscan are the addition of hydration stations around the hospital campus and a new retail experience in the cafeteria that includes exhibition cooking. Over the next several months, additional enhancements will include the rollout of updated fresh food standards and transformed patient menus.

With nearly $200 million in 2013 revenues, Unidine was No. 17 on Food Management's 2014 Top 50 Contract Management Companies listing. Franciscan Hospital for Children is the largest pediatric rehabilitation facility in New England. Programs and services offered address the medical, behavioral and educational needs of children.