NYC Health + Hospitals Marks Milestone of 2 Million Plant-Based Meals Served

In celebration of National Nutrition Month, NYC Health + Hospitals has reached a significant milestone by serving over 2 million plant-based meals to patients since the program's launch in March 2022. The health system served over 900,000 plant-based meals in 2024 alone, highlighting the success and impact of the initiative. Developed in partnership with Sodexo, the program is rooted in scientific evidence linking plant-based eating patterns to improved health outcomes, including reduced risks of chronic diseases and weight management.

Apart from the health benefits, the transition to plant-based meals has also led to positive environmental and economic impacts, such as a reduction in carbon emissions and cost savings per meal. Meals are prepared from scratch at the Culinary Center in Brooklyn, with a focus on educating patients about the nutritional benefits and flavors of plant-based options. Patients are provided with plant-based recipes upon discharge to encourage long-term healthy eating habits. As the program continues to expand, NYC Health + Hospitals plans to introduce more plant-based meal options to further promote wellness among its diverse patient population.