The Tairawhiti District Health Board says outsourcing hospital food services may lead to contracting out orderly and security services, too.
The Government is considering outsourcing meal making work at public hospitals in a bid to save money.
It is estimated a third of all meals for patients could come from two hubs, in Auckland and Christchurch.
Gisborne Hospital currently contracts out its food, orderly and security services.
Its chief executive Jim Green says it works well for the hospital, and could work well for others, too.
Mr Green says if changes are made, the biggest concern for Gisborne Hospital will be making sure it can stock up enough food in case deliveries are hampered by road closures and no flights.