POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital has been supporting the North Country Grown Cooperative’s initiative of Buy Local, Buy Fresh, Buy Organic and has incorporated much of that produce into daily menu items available for patients, visitors, and staff.

In addition to introducing local foods into their café, the hospital has also been offering a larger selection of items on the salad and sandwich bar, health conscious to-go snacks, and hot breakfast items.

“The hospital’s focus on quality is not restricted to patient care and will be experienced in every area of healthcare, including Nutrition Services,” said Steve Gadapee café director. “Meals prepared with local produce and fresh meats are preferred to those which are flash frozen in a factory and shipped hundreds or thousands of miles away.”

The hospital has contracted with Morrison Food Service, Gadapee said.

“Change in service will include monthly promotions and food awareness while reducing our carbon footprint through reduced trucking costs and promoting local growers. The hospital orders through the Buy Local program, then prepares and serves gourmet style meals. Fresh, unprepared produce is also available to purchase through our Café Farmer’s Market on Wednesday mornings,” added Gadapee.

The hospital says that patients meals are arriving sooner and with supplementary options for those with dietary restrictions. They say they understand that not all patients have an appetite for lunch at 11 a.m. or dinner at 4 p.m., so the café will offer greater flexibility with patient mealtimes.