In March 2022, the health system expanded on the success of a Meatless Monday pilot by offering plant-based meals as the chef’s recommendation for lunch every day. In late 2022, plant-based meals became the primary option for all dinners, as well, enabling patients to receive the nutrition they need entirely through plant-based ingredients. NYC Health + Hospitals now serves more than 14 unique, tasty, nutritious, and culturally diverse plant-based dishes that patients genuinely enjoy. The switch to plant-based defaults has lead to a 59 cent reduction in initial cost per plate and a 36% reduction in GHG emission.
Want to try a plant-powered meal at home? Check out our recipes here.