For National Nutrition Month, NYC Health + Hospitals Celebrates Over 2 Million Plant-Based Meals Served to Patients
The health system launched its plant-based meals program in March 2022 Scientific research has shown that plant-based eating patterns are linked to significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers In addition to the considerable health benefits for patients, the transition to a plant-based menu led to a reduction in carbon emissions of 36% and a cost savings of 59 cents per meal
Mar 26, 2025
For National Nutrition Month, NYC Health + Hospitals in partnership with Sodexo today celebrated over 2 million plant-based meals served since the program began in March 2022. In 2024 alone, NYC Health + Hospitals served over 900,000 plant-based meals to its patients. Scientific research has shown that plant-based eating patterns are linked to significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. They can also be effective for weight management as well as treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. In addition to the considerable health benefits for patients, the transition to a plant-based menu led to a reduction in carbon emissions of 36% and a cost savings of 59 cents per meal. Patients who ate plant-based meals at NYC Health + Hospitals reported a satisfaction rate over 90%.
All meals are made from scratch at the health system’s Culinary Center in Brooklyn. The culinary team includes Food Service Associates at each hospital who take the patient’s food order, educate them about the flavor and nutrition of the day’s plant-based options, and gather patient feedback about the meal. New recipes are piloted as a “Chef’s Recommendation” and only enter the menu rotation if they achieve an 80% patient satisfaction rate or above. Patients who are discharged from the hospital receive a booklet of plant-based recipes to make at home. Photos from the Culinary Center are available here. Executive Chef of Culinary Development Emmett McDonough describes some of the plant-based dishes in a set of new videos available here.
“When I was diagnosed with diabetes years ago, the lifestyle changes I made by switching to a plant-based diet and exercising regularly quickly improved my health and added years back to my life,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I’m proud of our administration for making it a priority to expand New Yorkers’ life spans with our HealthyNYC initiative, for giving people who suffer from chronic illnesses coaching on how to change their lives with our Lifestyle Medicine program, and by serving more than 2 million plant-based meals to patients at NYC Health + Hospitals. By helping New Yorkers lead healthier lives, we are building a healthier city for us all.”
“The popularity of NYC Health + Hospitals plant-based defaults has shown that what’s good for you can also taste good to eat,” said Mayor’s Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. “With plant-based dishes that are not only nutritious, but also delicious and culturally relevant, hospitals are serving meals that extend the care patients receive and truly nourishing them as they heal. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone of two million plant-based meals that are improving the health of people and of our planet.”
“As we celebrate this incredible 3-year anniversary milestone of offering delicious and nutritious plant-based meals to our patients across the NYC Health + Hospitals system, I am filled with immense pride,” said Sodexo Vice President of Operations at NYC Health + Hospitals Samantha Morgenstern, MS, RD, CDN. “It’s truly inspiring to see how our food and nutrition teams work tirelessly every day to improve the well-being of our patients through the power of healthy, plant-based food. The dedication and passion behind every meal served are making a real difference in the lives of those we care for.”
“I’m very proud of our achievement in serving over two million plant base meals to our patients within 3 years,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Managed Services Mercedes Redwood, MS, RD. “Enhancing our patient dining experience with more delicious plant base meals continues to be our main focus.”
“It’s been an incredible three years,” said Sodexo Corporate Chef at NYC Health + Hospitals Philip DeMaiolo, CEC, AAC. “Crafting quality food has always been the first thought in mind. Crafting quality innovative food to help heal others is even more rewarding. I am so proud of our team, who have collaborated with NYC Health + Hospitals to be the first in the nation to introduce a successful robust plant-based menu.”
Plant-based nutrition is a style of cooking and eating that emphasizes, but is not necessarily limited to, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, plant oils, herbs and spices, and reflects evidence-based principles of health and sustainability.
Plant-Based Dishes on the NYC Health + Hospitals Menu
- Black Bean Burger
- Black-Eyed Pea Casserole
- Curried Kabocha Squash
- Edamame & Tofu Dumpling Soup (coming soon)
- Garden Bolognese
- Jackfruit and Lentil Jambalaya
- Jackfruit Carnitas with White Rice and Jicama Slaw
- Jerk Mushrooms with Sweet Plantains
- Mexican Lasagna (Chilaquiles)
- Mushroom Stroganoff
- Orange Cauliflower with Edamame
- Penne Pasta with Pea Pesto
- Pigeon Peas and Pumpkin Stew (Gandules y Calabaza)
- Red Pea Stew & Coconut Bread Dumplings (coming soon)
- Rigatoni Pasta al Forno with Dairy-Free Cheese
- Roasted Moroccan Vegetables
- Sancocho
- Sloppy Joe
- Three Bean Chili
- Vegetable Paella
- Whole Wheat Sicilian Pizza with Dairy-Free Mozzarella Cheese
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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
