A new group has formed in protest of the meals being served to Southern District Health Board patients.

The SDHB's 15-year contract with Compass Group is at the heart of contention.

The newly-formed Real Meals Coalition is calling on the board to end the contract and serve locally-made food.

A protest is being planned for outside Dunedin Hospital at midday on the 29th of April.

The coalition includes people from Grey Power, as well as representatives of various unions and political parties.

A spokesperson says patients and families are constantly complaining about Compass Group's food.

The board says it's working with the company to ensure meals are adequate.