NYC Health + Hospitals, New York City's public hospital system, has switched to primarily plant-based meal offerings at three of its hospitals — with a 95 percent satisfaction rate, Food Management reported Oct. 6.
The meal options represent a more diverse patient population, with Thai, Spanish and Southern American offerings available, according to the article. The health system views the new menu as a form of preventive care, since plant-based eating is known to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain cancers.
"As a registered dietitian I am grateful that plant-based foods are being recognized as essential for the health of New Yorkers and our patients," Mercedes Redwood, assistant vice president for management services at NYC Health + Hospitals, said in the article. "We have worked closely with our chefs and clinical dietitians to produce a menu that is culturally appropriate, tasty, and sure to enhance our patients' dining experience."
This fall, the health system plans to offer plant-based dinner options at all of its hospitals. It aims to introduce plant-based supplements and tube feeds by the year's end, the article said.