Vegetarian meals are the standard option in New York hospitals

Making animal-free meals the standard option in New York City’s 11 hospitals is the result of a partnership between the Better Food Foundation, the city health department and its hospitals, and the Mayor’s Office.

Without removing the meat-based options, the plant-based meals were initially offered only at lunchtime, but were extended to dinner thanks to the success of the initiative – more than half of the patients chose the plant-based menu, although only 1% identified themselves as vegetarian or vegan.

The food program is part of the Better Food Foundation’s “Greener by Default” project. The goal is to help healthcare organizations improve their bottom line by reducing carbon emissions and food costs, and make people healthier.

It is not only in hospitals that there is this kind of food program: the public schools in the New York district also have a vegan initiative on Fridays.
“In culturally diverse New York, centering inclusive food choices on the menu is even more important. People of color are more likely to be lactose intolerant and to suffer from diabetes and heart disease. Access to healthy plant-based foods through public institutions
as hospitals and schools is not just a health issue; it’s a social justice issue,” says Better Food.