90% of Patients Satisfied with NYC’s Plant-Based Hospital Meals Scheme

A plant-based meal scheme implemented in New York City's public hospitals has been met with overwhelming support from patients, with 90% expressing satisfaction with the food. The initiative, launched under Mayor Eric Adams's 'plant-based by default' program, has led to reduced food costs and emissions while serving over 1.2 million vegan meals. Patients have chosen dishes like black bean burgers, orange cauliflower, sloppy joes, and Sicilian pizzas with non-dairy mozzarella.

The program promotes plant-based meals by making vegan options the default choice for patients at all 11 hospitals, with over 20 plant-based dishes on the menu. Hospital staff are educated on the benefits of vegan diets, and on-site promotion activities encourage patients to choose plant-based options. The success of the program has inspired other hospitals to consider implementing similar initiatives to improve patient health, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainability efforts.