UPDATED 5.57PM Dunedin residents have been out in force, fiercely protesting the quality of the meals given to hospital patients.

This follows a heated battle with contractor Compass, which supplies meals to three Southern District Health Board hospitals.

LISTEN ABOVE: Lauren Scott, Compass' national development and innovation manager, speaks to Larry Williams about the protests

The standoff has moved to social media, with many people posting about how patients are refusing to eat the food.

At a rowdy rally at Dunedin Hospital, around 350 protesters called for the hospital to sever ties with Compass. 

Protestor Jill Armstrong said it was time to stand up and make change.

"I think cancellation of the contract and go back to the original plan is what they should be doing. The elderly have been compromised by this poor food. Dunedin people didn't want this."

SEE ALSO: Health board, caterers burned over hospital food

Rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 350-strong crowd, who chanted things like 'Stop the Slop', 'Stop the Wealth' and 'Save our Health'.

Invercargill mayor Tim Shadbolt said he's proud of how many people protested in the poor weather.

"I thought it would be a complete wash-out, but boy people just feel so strongly about this issue, this is what I call turning out in force in these conditions."

Mr Shadbolt is expecting more public heat.

"Usually when there's this much of a response, an issue like this gather momentum, and I think more and more people are likely to join in."