Foodservice

Leeds hospitals introduce 24-hour kosher food vending

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August 11, 2026

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Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has introduced one of the U.K.'s few 24-hour kosher food vending machines, according to a Jewish News report. The machine offers meals including shepherd's pie and vegetarian schnitzel to patients, employees and visitors.

Kosher vending is available at St James's University Hospital, with another machine planned for Leeds General Infirmary. The hospital system treats an estimated 1.8 million patients annually. The project involved the trust's Jewish Network and kosher catering company Hermolis.

Rabbi Alby Chait, the trust's Jewish chaplain, said medical facilities elsewhere in the country have expressed interest in adopting similar programs. Dr. Rochelle Wilder, chair of the trust's Jewish Network, said the service represents an important step toward making Jewish patients and employees feel included and supported.