ADVERTISEMENT

If hospitals are supposed to help you get well, then they ought to be doing this in every single way possible. From making the surroundings warm and welcoming to providing you nutritious, wholesome, and homely meals so you can get your strength back as fast as possible. Unfortunately, you Pandas and I all know that this isn't the case. Hospital food is absolutely horrid in a huge number of hospitals. And, frankly, we deserve better.

We wanted to show you just how bad hospital food can get all over the world, so our hard-working team at Bored Panda compiled this list that's bound to make you angry like professional chef Gordon Ramsay. Remember to upvote the best of the worst photos and let us know what the food was like during your most recent stay at the hospital.

The reason why hospital food is so bad and so banal it hurts is because of money. Or rather, the lack of it. And let's not forget the fact that often hospitals don't even make the food that they serve to patients and the staff members themselves; they outsource it. As you're about to find out, there are quite a few things that look as lonely on a plate as two tiny sausages with some parsley.

I wanted an insider's perspective, so I reached out to Holly D., a labor and delivery nurse. She told Bored Panda that she's experienced hospital as a patient as well and was very let down by it. "I have been in a patient role in the not-so-distant past and have experienced the dreaded hospital food tray. This often leads the patient to request family members to drop off alternate food to them at the hospital. For me, it was disappointing, to say the least, after laboring and finally delivering my first child," she said. Have a read through her in-depth insights on how to fix hospital food below, dear Pandas.

#1

This Is The Meal My Wife’s Hospital Had The Audacity To Serve For Nurses Appreciation Week. I Live In Phoenix

This Is The Meal My Wife’s Hospital Had The Audacity To Serve For Nurses Appreciation Week. I Live In Phoenix

After a year nurse shortages, running out of PPE, working employees to the bone without hazard pay.

colton310 Report

#2

What You Get For Breakfast In A Hungarian Hospital

What You Get For Breakfast In A Hungarian Hospital

abraabraka Report

#3

Hospital Administration Told Us They'd Be Treating Us To Dinner During Our Shift. "Dinner" Is One Individual, Frozen, Uncooked Meatloaf Per Person. This Is Georgia

Hospital Administration Told Us They'd Be Treating Us To Dinner During Our Shift. "Dinner" Is One Individual, Frozen, Uncooked Meatloaf Per Person. This Is Georgia

Happy nurse's week, y'all.

reddit.com Report

"At a prior hospital that I worked for, a newly appointed director questioned every patient during their stay to hear our patients' biggest complaints and/or concerns. The recurring theme was 'bad food.' Once we received this feedback, the idea for an alternate menu for laboring/postpartum women was introduced. I couldn’t help but support this brilliant idea, and helped implement the importance of this change in menu with our mothers," nurse Holly explained that even though the food is bad, some staff members are willing to implement changes after hearing out the complaints.

I was interested to get Holly's take on why some hospitals cut corners with their food when instead it should be something filling and nutritious to help them recover quicker. According to Holly, the importance of meals while at the hospital cannot be understated.

"Food is a large part of people’s lives in every culture. It brings people together and in most instances, it is associated with happiness. For the patient, meals become the highlight of their day, especially if their time with us is extensive. In my experience, diet is one of the areas where the budget is kept to a minimum. Nutrition seems to always be met, but not always in a very creative or appetizing way," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Hospital Food Yummy

Hospital Food Yummy

It's mashed potatoes, something you'd feed to your bunny (or is it some kind of chicken pellets?), and water I guess?

Mattho Report

#5

This Hospital In USA Failed

This Hospital In USA Failed

AliMaadelat Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathan_seddon avatar
Dhukath
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does the hospital own a cat? Because I see "Sausages" like that every day in their litter tray 🐱!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Hospital Food In Italy

Hospital Food In Italy

RonaldTheGiraffe Report

Add photo comments
POST
zubia818 avatar
WildHoneyPie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the heck is that? It looks like something that would put you into the hospital!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

In Holly's view, the biggest problem with hospital food is the lackluster presentation. "When you are hospitalized, the last thing you want to be presented with is an unappetizing or highly aromatic meal in front of you. Food styles and/or cuisines should be updated. One alternative would be to offer a modernized menu for patients to select from, including choices like a bento box, flatbreads, and/or rice bowls," she suggested.

"Hospitals could incorporate a system that allowed the patient to select an alternative menu or one that includes 'fun' foods like the menu we implemented for our laboring/postpartum mothers. This would astronomically improve these patient satisfaction scores, thereby making staff members more appreciated.

Unfortunately, these alternate menus are not a standard of practice in most hospitals, and sadly it is one of the first to be taken away when the budget is cut," nurse Holly told Bored Panda that even though there are alternatives to the current low standards, sadly, they're all reliant on financial decisions from up above.

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

A Hospitals Take On Vegetarian Cuisine. Germany

A Hospitals Take On Vegetarian Cuisine. Germany

FurFlux Report

#8

Can You Identify My Austrian Hospital Food?

Can You Identify My Austrian Hospital Food?

A good guess might be "depression", but actually, it was some sort of cow paste (it immediately fell apart, it was basically the consistency of mousse) in paprika sauce, mashed potato, and mushy pea purée.

malta3 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Financially speaking, feeding people well is expensive. And the thinking tends to be, why bother giving someone nutritious, healthy, costly meals when you can get away with a piece of bread and a sad chunk of cheese? After all, a hospital is all about helping you get better, not feeding you.

However, that line of thinking simply doesn't work when you consider the huge importance that food has on our health. In fact, have a think about how you feel when you've been eating fresh food for a while versus how lethargic you feel when you've been consuming plenty of sugar and fast food. The difference is night and day.

#10

"Lasagna" According To Adventist Hospital

"Lasagna" According To Adventist Hospital

OpheliaMorningwood Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Celebratory Steak Dinner Offered By Hospital For Proud Mother And Father

Celebratory Steak Dinner Offered By Hospital For Proud Mother And Father

Johnmcguirk Report

#12

Since We're Posting Our Hospital Meals (UK)

Since We're Posting Our Hospital Meals (UK)

Buddahfinger666 Report

Add photo comments
POST
theredqueen_1 avatar
the redqueen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You got all kinds of stuff, to the left and right of your tray.....and even your tray of food would look good, except it looks like somebody dngaf when it was time to put the green stuff on, and just poured what was left on your plate. Thank god you don't have to pay for it, right? But yeah, that's ridiculous

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to ‘Wise Geek,' hospital food is a subset of institutional food which focuses on cutting costs and appealing to the widest number of customers as possible. Though, to be fair, it's tough to imagine how the bland/disgusting food that's served is meant to appeal to anyone.

Is it enough for you to survive in a tight spot? Probably. Is it something that's going to rouse your spirits and give your body the necessary nutrients to get stronger quickly? Doubtful. The secret ingredient might be love, but there's not much of that around!

#13

This Veggie Burger Was Served To Me In The Hospital. 10/10 For Presentation

This Veggie Burger Was Served To Me In The Hospital. 10/10 For Presentation

tveir Report

#14

Hospital Lunch In Romania

Hospital Lunch In Romania

Andrei144 Report

#15

My Hospital Food Memories Are Scary. It's Lithuania

My Hospital Food Memories Are Scary. It's Lithuania

Kristina Galinauskaitė Report

Add photo comments
POST
juliajuhas avatar
JuJu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's egg. It looks like this when you make it in a tray in a convection oven. You get it in quite a lot of hotels at the breakfast buffet.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

For the majority of us, hospital food will only ever be a quirky anecdote to tell our friends. But we forget about the people who stay in hospitals for weeks, months, and even years at a time. Imagine having to eat that swill every day. Food and cooking are important parts of being a human being and a member of your local community and society at large.

ADVERTISEMENT

I'd actually argue that by feeding people bland, ghastly, and shocking food, you're depriving them of one of the biggest joys of being human. And that can't be good for your health. Physical, emotional, or spiritual.

#16

Yesterday's Hospital Breakfast In Chicago. The Garnish Really Makes It

Yesterday's Hospital Breakfast In Chicago. The Garnish Really Makes It

jjjkkkjkjk Report

#17

My First Meal In A Week, At A Hospital For Meningitis, Entertain Me, Please. Milwaukee​, Wisconsin

My First Meal In A Week, At A Hospital For Meningitis, Entertain Me, Please. Milwaukee​, Wisconsin

Sivispacemparabellum Report

Add photo comments
POST
neilbidle avatar
Neil Bidle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well today, we have chicken a la sweetcorn, with a jus of coagulated grease ..

mmagcoco avatar
Turnip and a Frog
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just watched “The Thing” the other night. Looks like something in the middle of transforming into something other equally ungodly. All it needs is a high-pitched, squeaky, noise

her7horses avatar
HorseMuse
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kitchen has two choices. Chicken and corn or corn with chicken !

jaybird3939 avatar
Jaybird3939
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here we present some chicken, along with what it ate for breakfast.

chris-watson-73113528 avatar
Chris Watson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They really didn’t expect you to pull through. This is your second challenge. Eating that slop

betsynovack avatar
Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they think your colorblind? Lost your sense of smell? Make the doctor take a bite of this culinary failure.

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think they give this food to us because they want us out of the hospital as soon as possible

mullen_tekim avatar
Alditekim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chicken, complete with what it ate before it was slaughtered

markfuller avatar
Mark Fuller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

F**k me. What I'm name of god is that. Reminds me of "The Thing" horror film!

tsg8218 avatar
Tashina Ferries-Gallo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor thing. Looks like you gave it your best go. Thing was probably boiled to hell & back. Hopefully the corn was 1/2 way decent?

aaronkara avatar
Aaron Kara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The main problem with this is the unnecessary separation of sweetcorn

cfraser avatar
DetongLhamo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s unacceptable. And how long will it take you to pay off your medical bills? I guess they’ll charge you $40 at least for this rotavirus inducing offering.

naomi_cline avatar
Naomi Cline
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Out of all of the food this one so far is the most appetizing.

kerrie72rose avatar
Rosesinmyhair
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so disgusting. American healthcare is so bloody broken!

s_nunns avatar
Sarah Nunns
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that white gunk the 'thing' is resting on supposed to be mashed potatoes? Anyone! Please!

basshans9 avatar
Hans Bass
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The chicken is voicing an objection over being cooked alive

emailtracywolfe avatar
Tracy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooo, double corn. Bed pan collection people love this meal.

vikibanaszak avatar
Viki Banaszak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are lucky, no. It does look terrible. But after a week of no food they usually go with just jello, but no red, Everyone wants red and we are not here for your pleasure.

toddhollfelder avatar
Todd Hollfelder
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aurora or Ascension? Both are served on a plate with a beautiful cover over it.

rebeccamorrison avatar
Rebecca Morrison
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Vile, we wonder why healthcare is so expensive here in the US🤔🤦

pl_donahue avatar
Pauly Donahue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a proud cheese head I am appalled. I bet there are 12 places within a block that serve brats and cheese curds. Heloooo EatStreet!

ljamie04 avatar
Hollysmom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They don't really want you to get healthy. That's obvious

lynmoffett avatar
Lyn Moffett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is that white crap supposed to be. Looks anything BUT appetising

kim_lorton avatar
Kim Lorton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They bought up all the TV dinners and oops! Opened them to remake for dietary needs!

renskedejonge9 avatar
Flip
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every day I worry all day 'bout what's waiting in the bushes of love. https://youtu.be/RySHDUU2juM

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Vegetarian Meal Sent Up For My Friends Hospital Meal

Vegetarian Meal Sent Up For My Friends Hospital Meal

Yauchness Report

Add photo comments
POST
rabbitcarrot avatar
Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If nothing else she can beat it to death with that rather solid looking baguette.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Groats With Vomit, From My Stay At A Polish Hospital

Groats With Vomit, From My Stay At A Polish Hospital

MamWidelec Report

Add photo comments
POST
mmagcoco avatar
Turnip and a Frog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could have taken the exact same picture a week ago in hospitalisation. That’s exactly what it looked like. I mean, you know it’s food because someone diced the ingredients and heated everything up - but other than that I would never tell it’s meant for human nutrition.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

The Toasts One Of My Patients Got At The Hospital For Breakfast

The Toasts One Of My Patients Got At The Hospital For Breakfast

alternageek2 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#21

Hospital Breakfast

Hospital Breakfast

It's baked eggs covered with American cheese.

anuncommontruth Report

#22

Chicken Teriyaki Given To Us For Nurses Week By My Hospital

Chicken Teriyaki Given To Us For Nurses Week By My Hospital

Ididntknowthathaha Report

#23

Vegan Hospital Food: Potato

Vegan Hospital Food: Potato

UnlessYouDala Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

Third Week Of Living On Vegan Hospital Food And I’ve Lost 10 Kg. I Have No Idea What This Is

Third Week Of Living On Vegan Hospital Food And I’ve Lost 10 Kg. I Have No Idea What This Is

grimsexton Report

#26

Hospital Food Looks Like The Opposite Of Food. America The Great US

Hospital Food Looks Like The Opposite Of Food. America The Great US

sebaylward Report

#27

This French Hospital Food Is Getting Worse - Potatoes And What I Think Was A Boiled Cabbage

This French Hospital Food Is Getting Worse - Potatoes And What I Think Was A Boiled Cabbage

WhyArrest Report

Add photo comments
POST
thomas_maertens avatar
Saint Thomas
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's endive/chicory. It's an acquired taste, as it's a bit bitter. Well prepared it's quite good, my favorite preparation is first boiled, then seared in a pan with a bit of brown sugar. The sugar breaks the bitterness.Quite common in north of France and Belgium as a winter vegetable, as it is grown inside.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

My Hospital Roast Dinner

My Hospital Roast Dinner

EncryptedMyst Report

#30

Hospital Cafeteria, Bon Appetit

Hospital Cafeteria, Bon Appetit

hausofpurple Report

Note: this post originally had 107 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.