Culinary Services at Western
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Most people don’t expect the world-class culinary services they find at CTCA at Western Regional Medical Center (Western). Like many other patients, you may be surprised that meals are both appealing to the palette and reasonably priced.
Our culinary experts constantly develop new recipes containing organic, low-preservative, and low-fat foods to help you maintain proper nutrition during your cancer treatment. You and your caregiver will receive discounted rates on breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average costs are $3-5.
Meet the Chef
At Western, Executive Chef Frank Caputo leads the culinary team. Caputo explains that his family has long been involved in the food and beverage industry:
“My mom and dad are both Italian. I realized what I wanted to do when I was sent to Italy at a young age to work with my grandparents on their farm. We raised livestock and made wine…it was great!”
Caputo graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. After many years as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, Caputo realized that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. That's when Caputo moved from Florida to Goodyear, Arizona where he joined CTCA as the Director of Culinary Services for Western.
“I never dreamt I would be so fulfilled in my career,” says Caputo, “My job here is about going beyond the call of duty. It is about finding the best organic, hormone-free ingredients and creating healthy, flavorful meals.”
Serving Your Nutritional Needs
Having worked at other CTCA hospitals for years, Director of Nutrition at Western, Sharon Day, knows the impact a proper diet and optimal nutrition can have during your fight with cancer.
Day explains, “Everything we put in our bodies affects us to some degree. Cancer can cause malnourishment and vice versa. We want to address this early on by educating our patients and providing healthy meals during their stay.”
At Western, your nutritionist works closely with our chefs to select ingredients high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. According to Chef Caputo, “Our fruits and vegetables are organic and our meats are low-hormone or hormone-free. You are going to find the best stuff available in our café. We’ve built relationships with local farmers and they give us top-notch products.”
Day states, “Chef Caputo and I talk every day about how to meet unique needs. If a patient feels like a dish not on the menu, Chef Caputo will make a meal specifically for that patient.” Providing patients with their favorite comfort foods is one example of our Mother Standard® of care in action.
Sometimes cancer treatment affects taste buds. The culinary team at Western uses spices and herbs that are pleasing to your changing palette. Our team wants you to enjoy food just as you did prior to your cancer diagnosis.
“Often patients come here not knowing how the food will taste or if they will be able to appreciate it when undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy. They are amazed to find out that the food is flavorful and that their favorite dishes may even taste better when prepared with organic ingredients,” Day explains.
Café Schedule
The cafeteria is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and serves a la carte items throughout the day. You may also order meals directly to your room or to the Infusion Center if you are receiving chemotherapy.
Scheduled meal times are as follows:
- Breakfast – 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch – 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Dinner – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
