In order to evaluate the effects of food policy implementation, a study was made of food chosen and eaten by male patients on a medium‐stay psychiatric ward at Horton Hospital, Epsom, Surrey. Data was collected for five consecutive days at the same point in the menu cycle inn August of 1985 and 1986. The educational component of the District Food Policy was initiated at this hospital in January 1985.There appeared to be a trend towards a healthier dietary balance in 1986, as significant changes in the proportion of calories derived from fat and carbohydrate were found. Indeed, the distribution of energy in 1986 resembled short‐term NACNE targets (NACNE, 1983). This was observed together with a higher average consumption of dietary fibre, but salt intake appeared to increase as well. These differences are explained in terms of more varied food choices, together with recipe development and changes in catering practice. As expected, long‐term NACNE recommendations (NACNE, 1983) were not fully met at any stage in the study and therefore more awareness and action is required on the part of catering, paramedical and medical staff to achieve dietary goals set out in the district food policy doc