The Pride Institute and Fort Lauderdale Hospital recognizes the importance of nutrition in the recovery process. Patients often come into treatment after significant periods of poor nutritional patterns. As the fog of chemicals wanes and clear thought patterns emerge, the basic need for good food returns.

Our dedicated divas of the dining room, led by Food Service Director Katie Alicea, are unparalleled in their skills. All of our meals are prepared from scratch, including a heart warming array of soups and desserts. Our menu plan combines healthy nutrition with a dose of comfort to satisfy the appetite. Patients in our facility awaken to the wafting aromas of sizzling bacon and croissants baking in the oven. Our Saturday morning Belgian Waffle extravaganza is a big hit. At the mid point of the day, healthy lunches refuel the body for the work at hand in the afternoon. As the day comes to its conclusion, the corridors are filled with the tempting aromas of dinners that are reminiscent of the meals that mom or grandma used to make.

Our meal plans are established with the input of a licensed Dietician to ensure nutritional balance. The Dietician is available for consultation in any care issues for which there are specific dietary concerns. Additionally, our staff are readily able to accommodate specialty diets for diabetics, low fat, vegetarian and other regimens for medical or personal choice. We also are fully able to meet nutritional needs while adhering to dietary guidelines for those who follow Kosher.

A wide variety of snacks and beverages are readily available to tide us over between meals. Many of our snacks are highly nutritious and prepared on site as well. Tuesdays are becoming a hit for staff and patients alike as the kitchen prepares homemade cookies. There is nothing as soothing as a warm homemade cookie with or without a glass of cold milk.