Earlier this week, Gallup announced the recipients of the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, recognizing organizations around the world that have built cultures of high engagement, strong leadership, and meaningful employee development. Among the healthcare systems honored were two member organizations of AHF: Children’s Health in Dallas and JPS Health Network in Fort Worth.
With a focus on employee engagement, organizations recognized with the award cultivate workplace cultures where employees feel heard, valued, and connected to the mission of their organization. Because self-operated foodservice directly supports that mission, it is no surprise that several of the healthcare organizations receiving this recognition operate their food and nutrition services in-house. This operational model allows foodservice teams to align closely with the goals and culture of the hospitals and senior living communities they serve.
For healthcare leaders, this recognition reinforces an important truth. Exceptional workplaces are not built by accident. They are the result of intentional investments in people, purpose, and the everyday experiences that shape how employees feel at work.
One of those experiences happens every single day.
Food.
Food and Nutrition Services is an Employee Benefit
In healthcare, foodservice plays a unique and often underestimated role in shaping workplace culture. For thousands of nurses, physicians, environmental services teams, and support staff, the hospital café or dining space is where they pause, recharge, and reconnect during demanding shifts.
Quality meals is a key employee benefit for providers and support staff who pour their hearts and souls into their work. When healthcare food and nutrition services are self-operated, organizations maintain direct control over food quality, pricing, menus, and service culture. This allows foodservice teams to respond to the needs of the workforce in ways that align with the organization’s mission and values.
Self-operated programs often prioritize:
- Fresh, high-quality meals that support the health of caregivers
- Accessible pricing that reflects the needs of all employees
- Menus designed for diverse cultural preferences and dietary needs
- Dining environments that foster connection and community
For employees working long shifts, overnight hours, and high-stress environments, these everyday details matter. They influence morale, satisfaction, and how supported employees feel by their organization.
Mission Alignment Matters for Foodservice Teams Too
The benefits of self-operation extend beyond the customer experience. They also shape the experience of the foodservice professionals themselves.
When food and nutrition services teams are directly employed by the health system, they are not simply providing a contracted service. They are part of the mission.
Their work becomes connected to patient care, employee wellbeing, and the broader goals of the organization. They collaborate more closely with clinical teams, leadership, and hospital initiatives. They share the same values, the same culture, and the same commitment to serving their community.
That sense of purpose is a powerful driver of engagement.
AHF Members Leading the Way
Organizations like Children’s Health and JPS Health Network demonstrate what is possible when engagement is embedded into workplace culture. Their recognition as Gallup Exceptional Workplaces reflects a commitment to investing in people and building environments where teams can thrive.
Food and nutrition services are part of that equation.
From nourishing patients and families to supporting the healthcare workforce with high-quality meals, these teams contribute daily to the culture and care experience that defines exceptional healthcare organizations.
Building the Future of Healthcare Workspaces
Healthcare organizations across the country are navigating workforce shortages, burnout, and rising operational pressures. Creating exceptional workplaces has never been more important. Exceptional workplaces are not created through a single program or initiative. They are built through hundreds of daily decisions that demonstrate respect for employees and reinforce the value of every department across the organization. For healthcare foodservice leaders, that is both an opportunity and a responsibility…
When foodservice is empowered as part of the organization’s mission, it becomes one of the everyday experiences that helps make a workplace exceptional.
Congratulations!
Congratulations again to AHF members Children’s Health in Dallas (five-time winner) and JPS Health Network in Fort Worth (three-time winner), along with their food and nutrition services leaders and teams.
Special recognition to Allison Woulfe, Director of Food Services at Children’s Health, and Neal Lavender, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services at JPS Health Network, whose leadership and teams contribute every day to the culture, care, and employee experience that define exceptional healthcare organizations.
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Becker’s Hospital Review: 10 health systems named ‘exceptional workplaces’: Gallup
Gallup: 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winners
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Interested in learning more about the self-op advantage? AHF’s Self-Operated Support (SOS) Program provides operators with the essential tools to prove their value, from financial best practices to specialized toolkits for responding to contractor threats. Whether you are looking to transition to self-op or need expert guidance to protect your current mission, our team of subject matter experts is here to ensure your organization’s independence and success. >>> HealthcareFoodservice.org/Self-Op-Support-Program