The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance won't be closing its cafeteria after a study discovered it was actually making money for the hospital.
The board of directors of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) was thinking of closing down the hospital's cafeteria last month and going with a vendor instead. Hospital president and CEO Lori Marshall said the only way they'd continue to run the cafeteria is if it could sustain itself. After looking at the numbers, they found out it did better than break even.
"You would not want to operate it if it wasn't running at a surplus because these are taxpayer dollars and we want to use them wisely," Marshall said. "We did give it a try and the results are in from the business case and we're delighted to say our cafeteria does create a surplus. We have made a decision to continue permanently with the cafeteria."
Marshall added with the shift towards growing a healthier community, the cafeteria has more options for those looking to eat better. She added it isn't just staff, patients, and volunteers who use the facility.
"Very importantly, if anyone has children who go to the Pines [Ursuline College Chatham] you'll hear they're over here accessing some of those services as well," Marshall said. "It's definitely something we are very pleased that we can continue with."
She added the cafeteria won't change what it is serving to adhere to the new Canadian Food Guide. Marshall said options are available for customers to create a meal based on the guide and added there is a vegetarian option for those who don't eat meat.
"It isn't quite Michelin star rated just yet," Greg Aarssen, CKHA board chair said jokingly. "It is still really good food though."
