I do not rely on the hospital for food because it comes on their schedule (not our stomachs') and I do not trust it to be palatable or in accordance with our dietary restrictions. Thanks to all the delivery apps out there, eating well has gotten a lot easier. I always ask for a dorm-size fridge for my daughter's medications, which can also be useful for stashing leftovers. But even if they can't provide that, there is usually a refrigerator for families on the floor, so I make sure I have creamer or milk for coffee and some fresh fruit, in addition to nonperishable snacks. Some families I know bring their own travel-size coffee makers or french press, because the hospital coffee really is that bad. I've located the nearest Starbucks, and I know when my daughter naps, I can order ahead and get there and back in 17 minutes. I've also met parents who bring wine and a reusable coffee cup to keep it hidden.
I always like to have small bills for the vending machines. And if people ask how they can help, I ask for gift cards for coffee or to the supermarket nearest to the hospital, which for us is a Whole Foods that has a robust prepared-foods section and salad bar that I can make meals from. Most of these now deliver. The social workers and nurses on the floor usually have coupons for the hospital cafeteria and coffee trucks that they can give out, so don't be afraid to ask for a few. And don't forget Emergen-C or other vitamins to help you stay healthy. Hospital wards are just full of germs.
