Food Services

UNC Health Johnston Cafés

Buffalo Creek Café at our Smithfield campus is located on the ground floor near the main entrance of the hospital. We serve a variety of healthy meal choices for patients and visitors, including a salad bar, grill and chef station.

Open 5:00 a.m. till 3:00 a.m. every day (closed 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. for lunch preparation).

Café 42 at our Clayton campus is located on the main floor near the main entrance of the hospital. With a salad bar, on-the go options, grill and wood-burning pizza oven, our patients and visitors can find a variety of delicious options.

Open 5:00 a.m. till 3:00 a.m. every day (closed 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. for lunch preparation).

Inpatient Meals

A full cafeteria menu is provided for patients at UNC Health Johnston. Good nutrition will speed up recovery and improve health. A wide variety of healthful foods are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

While you are here, your doctor will order the type of diet that is best for you. If you have questions about your diet, ask your caregiver or dietician. The following are examples of the different types of diets that your doctor may order.

• NPO: This means nothing by mouth. It is designed to rest the GI tract and to prepare you for certain tests or surgery.
• Clear liquid diet: This diet is usually prescribed for a short time. It is used before and after procedures or surgery and when you have nausea or diarrhea.
• Full liquid diet: A diet of liquids is usually prescribed for a short time as a transitional diet between clear liquid and solid foods. This diet contains milk and milk products.
• Heart healthy, 3-4 gram sodium, low fat, low cholesterol diet: This diet helps prevent the build-up of fluids in your body and the rise of fat and cholesterol in the blood.
• Carbohydrate-controlled diabetic diet: A diet containing servings from all food groups will help to control your blood sugar and help maintain or achieve a desirable weight.
• Renal diet: A diet controlling parts of protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and fluids is designed for both pre-dialysis and dialysis patients.
• Soft diet: A diet of soft foods easy to digest is designed for patients who have difficulty chewing, have stomach or intestinal disorders, or who are recovering from surgery.
• Dysphagia diet: A diet of mostly pureed food is for patients who have difficulty swallowing well enough to receive proper nourishment. This diet contains no rice.