We are thrilled to announce that Justin Newgaard, VP of Operations at Morrison Healthcare has been honored as Hospitals & Healthcare category winner of IFPA’s Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates Chef Justin’s outstanding contributions to plant-forward cuisine and sustainable food practices in healthcare settings.
With over 20 years of experience at Morrison Healthcare, Chef Justin has developed a culinary approach that goes beyond traditional hospital food service. His philosophy centers on connecting with the local environment, highlighting fresh produce, and embracing seasonal limitations as creative challenges rather than obstacles.
“Being a chef is about more than technical skills in the kitchen,” Chef Justin often says. “It requires constant evolution, learning, and mentoring.”
For Chef Justin, cooking is about creating experiences that empower people to make thoughtful shopping and cooking choices. His educational approach influences how communities interact with food, supporting sustainability and preserving local agricultural practices.
When asked about receiving this honor, Chef Justin shared, “This award represents much more than personal achievement. It validates Morrison’s commitment to transforming healthcare dining. Every day, I’m driven by the opportunity to connect people to their food, their community, and ultimately their health through thoughtful, sustainable cooking. In healthcare settings especially, food isn’t just sustenance. It’s medicine, comfort, and a vital part of the healing journey.”
Peter Lanois, Morrison Division President, expressed pride in Chef Justin’s accomplishment. “Justin’s work shows how a chef can truly transform healthcare foodservice. His creativity and practical solutions have redefined hospital food, advanced our sustainability goals, and strengthened local food systems.”
Congratulations Chef Justin on this well-deserved recognition that showcases the very best in healthcare foodservice excellence!
