Peconic Bay Medical Center earns coveted ‘Snail of Approval’ award from Slow Food East End

It’s not every day that a hospital wins an award for culinary excellence. 

Peconic Bay Medical Center and its Executive Chef Christopher Singlemann took a bow last week for being awarded the “Snail of Approval” award from Slow Food East End, the local chapter of Slow Food USA, part of a global, grassroots organization founded in Italy in 1989 and is dedicated to creating a world where “all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet.”

The Snail of Approval award is a coveted honor bestowed by Slow Food USA chapters coast to coast.  For a business to receive recognition, it must stand for the Slow Food principles of good, clean and fair food, the organization says.  

“Each nominee goes through a rigorous evaluation process that determines how well they meet sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support and business values,” according to the organization’s website. 

Peconic Bay Medical Center is the only health care facility in the nation to receive this award, the hospital said in a press release announcing the honor.

“Peconic Bay Medical Center has heavily invested in enhancing the in-hospital experience for our patients and their families. Food service is central to that mission,” Singlemann said. 

“Recognizing the crucial role that nutrition plays in healing and recovery, the hospital has revolutionized its food services to provide patients with nutritious, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared meals,” the chef said. “We want our patients to look forward to their meals and to feel cared for with every bite. We are honored to receive this award, as it reflects the hard work and passion of our entire team.”

Peconic Bay Medical Center was nominated for the prestigious award by Ralph Reinertsen, a board member of Slow Food East End, who was a patient at the hospital. He and his wife Nancy DePas Reinertsen were impressed with the food, service and overall experience with the dietary department and hospital. As time progressed, Ralph learned more about Northwell’s initiatives and the culture they are developing for patient food service, and he felt it needed to be celebrated, according to a press release PBMC issued last week.

“A hospital stay can be a stressful and challenging time for patients and their families, but at Peconic Bay Medical Center, the staff’s level of compassion is truly remarkable, and we are proud to present them with this award,” Reinertsen said. “Emphasizing and investing in creating a dining experience that brings comfort and joy to its patients is not something you expect from a hospital. It made my experience and I’m sure the experience of others throughout this community so warm and inviting,” he said

“For too long hospitals were serving processed, frozen, unhealthy foods to patients,” said Sven Gierlinger, senior vice president and chief experience officer at Northwell Health. 

“Good food fuels recovery, boosts morale, and supports overall well-being. Northwell Health and Peconic Bay Medical Center are dedicated to providing our patients extraordinary care with a great experience, and providing healthy and tasteful food is a reflection of that.”