Mercy Hospital Saint Louis' cafeteria is going to begin closing at 2am instead of 5am. The cafeteria will continue to re-open at 6am. Vending machines will be available for co-workers, patients, and visitors while the cafeteria is closed.

This change will negatively affect not only co-workers, but patients and visitors as well. There are already fewer healthy food choices available after 9pm and this change will further limit the food choices available for co-workers, patients, and visitors.

Many co-workers are unable to take their lunch break before 2am and closing the cafeteria early may limit their ability to eat a real meal on their shift. Patients are unable to order room-service between 7pm and 7am. If a patient is admitted to the hospital or gives birth between 2am and 6am, the patient and their family may be unable to eat a meal between those hours if the cafeteria closes early.

Providing extra vending machines is not a solution. The options provided by vending machines are neither substantial nor healthy. We ask that the cafeteria remain opened and staffed as is in order to continue to provide meals for co-workers, patients, and visitors during the night.