'Top Chef' Judge Joins With Catholic Health For Better Food Choices

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — There is a push for healthier living and Catholic Health is joining forces to provide better food options at its hospitals.

The facility, headquartered in Rockville Centre, has a partnership with Health Hospital Partners (HHP) offering fast and casual choices for employees and visitors.

"Food is medicine. Consistently eating the wrong foods accelerates disease," said Catholic Health President and CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy. "Health care must do a better job in promoting healthy food choices."

They will work with HHP to curate and host high-quality operators for nutritious and fresh food.

The first such concept, Root & Sprig is slated to open in St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center’s lobby in the coming weeks, with additional openings anticipated for other Catholic Health hospitals later this year.

Root & Sprig was founded by Tom Colicchio, the winner of eight James Beard Awards and Head Judge/Executive Producer of Bravo TV’s Top Chef.

Menu items will focus on healthy dietary selections among sandwiches, salads, soups and breakfast items. Customers will also have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Daniel J. Kodner, Founder and CEO of HHP, said: "HHP is very pleased to partner with Catholic Health to develop and implement this exciting new initiative."