NYC Health + Hospitals celebrates 1.2 million plant-based meals served
Health system launched plant-based meal program in March 2022
Scientific studies have shown that plant-based dietary patterns are associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
In addition to the tremendous health benefits for patients, plant-based meals served in 2023 reduced carbon emissions by 36% and resulted in cost savings of 59 cents per meal.
March 14, 2024
NYC Health + Hospitals, in partnership with Sodexo, today celebrated serving more than 1.2 million plant-based meals since the program launched in March 2022. In 2023, the program's first full calendar year, NYC Health + Hospitals served more than 783,000 of his plant-based meals. Those patients. Scientific research shows that plant-based dietary patterns are associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. It is also effective not only for treating high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia, but also for weight management. In addition to the tremendous health benefits for the patient, the plant-based diet served in 2023 led to a 36% reduction in carbon emissions and a 59 cent reduction in his cost per meal. Patients who ate a plant-based diet at NYC Health + Hospitals reported more than 90% satisfaction.
All meals are made from scratch at the health system's culinary center in Brooklyn. The culinary team includes food service associates from each hospital who take patient meal orders, educate patients about the taste and nutrition of the day's plant-based options, and collect patient feedback on the meals. New recipes will be piloted as “Chef's Picks” and will only enter menu rotation if patient satisfaction reaches her 80% or above. Patients leaving the hospital are given a booklet of plant-based recipes they can make at home. You can see photos from the cooking center here.
“Everywhere New Yorkers receive meals, especially in hospital settings where patients are healing, it's important that the food we serve is healthy and delicious,” he said. Kate McKenzie, Executive Director of Food Policy, Mayor's Office. “We are proud of NYC Health + Hospitals for challenging the creative development of delicious and culturally relevant plant-forward cuisine. The acceptance of these defaults is a testament to their popularity. It's great to be able to share just a few examples of what is currently being offered to inpatients across all 11 of our hospitals.”
“Many of the conditions that bring patients to the hospital, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, can be improved with a plant-based diet, so it makes sense for us as a hospital system to offer plant-based meals.” to the patients,” he said. NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Nutritious and delicious meals are another way we care for our patients. Our plant-based menus reflect the cultural diversity of our patients, so they enjoy familiar dishes. You can experience it and make your hospital stay more comfortable.”
“70% of Sodexo’s U.S. supply carbon footprint in fiscal year 2020 was related to the purchase of animal-based foods. Increasing the number of plant-based and plant-centered options on our menus will help the company It's part of our plan to reduce emissions by 34% by 2025. Molly Matthews, Sodexo US Healthcare & Senior CEO. “In healthcare, we started this work with our partnership at NYC Health + Hospitals, which is dedicated to how plant-based diets help patients and the planet and can enhance satisfaction and taste.” will continue to be our flagship for
“As a registered dietitian, I am extremely proud to provide NYC Health + Hospitals' patients and communities with the healthiest, most delicious meals when they are most vulnerable.” sodexo NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President of Operations Samantha Morgenstern, MS, RD, CDN. “We hope our team continues to inspire other health systems nationally and internationally to innovate the overall patient experience and move forward with what is achievable.”
“This has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my career,” he said. Sodexo Corporate Chef at NYC Health + Hospitals Philip DeMaiolo, CEC, AAC. “Being a creative partner in this food project and serving those in the state's largest municipal health care system is a huge undertaking. Knowing that our patients have embraced what we have accomplished is a huge undertaking. is my inspiration to continue this journey and support New York City and Mayor Adams.”
Plant-based nutrition is a style of cooking and eating that emphasizes, but is not limited to, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, herbs and spices, and is based on scientific evidence. Reflects the principles of health and wellness. sustainability.
Below are all the plant-based foods featured on NYC Health + Hospitals' inpatient dinner menu. Non-plant-based options remain available at the patient's request and according to the prescribed diet.
- black bean burger
- black eyed pea casserole
- pumpkin squash curry
- garden bolognese
- jackfruit and lentil jambalaya
- Jackfruit carnitas with white rice and jicama slaw
- Mexican lasagna (chilaquiles)
- mushroom stroganoff
- orange cauliflower with edamame
- Penne pasta with pea pesto
- Pigeon pea and pumpkin stew (gandures y calabaza)
- Vegetable red curry with grilled tofu
- Rigatoni pasta al forno with dairy-free cheese
- roasted moroccan vegetables
- Root vegetable tagine
- Sancocho
- sloppy joe
- three bean chili
- vegetable paella
- Whole wheat Sicilian pizza with dairy-free mozzarella cheese
“NYC Health + Hospitals is at the forefront of food as medicine, demonstrating that plant-based defaults can optimize patient health and satisfaction while meeting carbon reduction and budget goals.” Stated. Katie Cantrell, Co-Founder and CEO, Greener by Default. “As a result of NYC Health + Hospitals’ innovative program, we are seeing increased interest from other healthcare organizations in Greener by Default.”
###
#038-24
Media contact: PressOffice@nychhc.org
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the nation's largest municipal health system, serving more than 1 million New Yorkers annually at more than 70 patient care facilities in the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers strengthens care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agencies and MetroPlus Health Plans. All of this is supported by 11 key hospitals. The company's diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on helping New Yorkers live the healthiest lives possible, without exception. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and connect with us on Facebook. twitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.
