Blythedale Introduces New Grocery, Meal Programs to Support Staff

Empty supermarket shelves and the hunt for household cleaning supplies seems far too common nowadays.

To help those helping to keep our patients safe, Blythedale Children’s Hospital has launched two new programs to serve the needs of its hundreds of healthcare heroes.

Blythedale's Food and Nutrition Department, in collaboration with Sodexo, has launched an on-site grocery and prepared meal pickup service inside the Hospital called “Grocery 2GO” and “Dinner to Go”.

“We not only address the daily nutritional needs of Blythedale patients and their families, but also the dedicated staff working on the frontlines,” said Tony Corda, CDM, CFPP, Blythedale’s Food Services Director and General Manager of Sodexo Quality of Life Services.  

It’s our hope that these great new services can alleviate some of the burdens of daily life and assist with some of the self-care we are all in need of at this time."

For many healthcare workers, already stretched thin by their personal and professional lives during the Covid-19 crisis, these new programs at Blythedale are a big help.

“I come to work every day and take care of infants who need acute rehabilitation at Blythedale, so as a precaution, I’m also self-quarantining myself away from home so my wife has no exposure risk,” said Dr. Dennis Davidson, Unit Chief of Blythedale’s Infant & Toddler Unit. “The last thing I want to do after work is get take-out or cook.  

The ‘Dinner to Go’ program is a very convenient and tasty five-star option that’s greatly appreciated in these times.”

Multiple times a week, Blythedale staff can pickup pre-packed groceries and/or pre-made meals by the Food and Nutrition Department.  Available items include fresh produce, milk, eggs, bread, snacks and fresh or frozen dinners.  Hard to find paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissues and disinfecting spray can also be purchased

“This is just a small way the hospital is stepping up to support employees in their efforts to practice social distancing outside of work, find much-needed grocery supplies and simply just make life a little bit easier,” said Susan Murray, LCSW, Blythedale’s Vice President of Patient Experience, Clinical Outreach, and Care Coordination Services.  “It’s a wonderful example of the type of teamwork that makes Blythedale such an incredible place to work.”