For National Nutrition Month, NYC Health + Hospitals Celebrate Over 2.8 Million Plant-Based Meals Served to Patients
The health system is launching a plant-based meal program in March 2022
Scientific studies have shown that a plant-based eating pattern is associated with a 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 cost savings of 59 cents per meal.
March 31, 2026
New York, NY— For National Nutrition Month, NYC Health + Hospitals in partnership with Sodexo today celebrates the more than 2.8 million plant-based meals provided since the program began in March 2022. In 2025 alone, NYC Health + Hospitals will provide nearly 700,000 plant-based meals to its patients. Scientific studies have shown that a plant-based eating pattern is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. It can also be effective for weight management as well as the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. In addition to considerable health benefits for patients, the transition to a plant-based menu led to a reduction in carbon emissions of 36% and cost savings of 59 cents per meal. Patients eating a plant-based diet at NYC Health + Hospitals in 2025 reported a 98% satisfaction rate.
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 patient food orders, educate them about the taste and nutrition of the day’s plant-based options, and collect patient feedback about meals. New recipes are tested as “Chef Recommendations” and only enter the menu rotation if they achieve an 80% patient satisfaction rate or higher. Patients discharged from the hospital received a home-made prescription booklet. New plant-based dishes joining the menu this year include Barbeque Mushrooms with Roasted Beans; Mac and Cheese and Peas; Mafe Stew with Jollof Rice; Grilled Mushroom Shawarma with Yellow Rice, Paprika and Onion; Fresh Baked Chocolate Chunk Cherry Cookies; and Fresh Baked Ginger Snap Cookies. Photos from the Culinary Center are available here.
“A nutritious meal can heal,” he said Executive Director of Mayor’s Food Policy Kate MacKenzie. “By serving nutritious, plant-based meals, NYC Health + Hospitals has supported the well-being of patients throughout their stay. The new, delicious, culturally inclusive offerings are a great addition to the menu – thanks to the creativity, expertise, and passion of the hospital’s chefs and staff, they bring comfort to mealtimes and support patients throughout their healing journey.”
“Achieving more than 2.8 million plant-based meals served is a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our culinary model and our commitment to patient-centered care,” he said. Sodexo Vice President of Operations at NYC Health + Hospitals Samantha Morgenstern, MS, RD, CDN. “By preparing meals from scratch at scale and continually incorporating patient feedback, we are able to provide nutritious, culturally relevant options that support improved health outcomes while maintaining high levels of satisfaction.”
“This program shows how a thoughtful supply chain strategy and strong partnerships can drive quality and consistency in a large public health system,” he said. NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Managed Services Mercedes Redwood, MS, RD. “Together with Sodexo, we’ve been able to scale programs that improve patient health and satisfaction while also advancing our commitment to sustainability and equitable access to nutritious food.”
“In the heart of a vibrant city like New York, where cultures mix and flavors collide, our continuous idea of plant-based food reflects our commitment to nutrition and inclusivity,” he said. Philip DeMaiolo, CEC, AAC, Client Executive and Corporate Chef at Sodexo for NYC Health + Hospitals. “We embrace the diversity of our community by creating recipes that not only celebrate health but also honor the rich culinary traditions that make our city unique.”
“Feeding the people of New York is a sacred responsibility, and we treat every meal like a seat at our own family table,” he said. Emmett McDonough, Executive Chef of Culinary Innovation at Sodexo for NYC Health + Hospitals. “By moving away from industrial shortcuts and returning to the art of scratch-cooking in Brooklyn, we have created a plant-based menu that honors the diverse heritage of our city. These 2.8 million meals reflect our commitment to serving food that not only meets nutritional requirements, but truly nourishes the spirit of our community.”
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, plant oils, herbs and spices, and reflects evidence-based principles of health and sustainability.
Plant-Based Meals on NYC Health + Hospitals Menus
- barbeque mushrooms and baked beans
- Black Bean Burger
- Black-Eyed Pea Casserole
- Curried Kabocha Squash
- Edamame & Tofu Dumpling Soup
- Freshly baked Chocolate Chunk Cherry Cookie
- Freshly baked ginger snap cookie
- Bolognese garden
- Grilled Mushroom Shawarma with Yellow Rice, Paprika and Onion (coming soon)
- Jerk Mushrooms and Sweet Plantains
- Mac and Cheese and Peas (coming soon)
- Mafe Stew with Jollof Rice
- Mexican Lasagna (Chilaquiles)
- Mushroom Stroganoff
- Orange Cauliflower with Edamame
- Penne pasta with pea pesto
- Pigeon Beans and Pumpkin Stew (Gandules and Pumpkin)
- Potato & Caramelized Onion Quiche
- Red Bean Stew & Coconut Bread Dumplings
- Rigatoni Pasta al Forno with Dairy-Free Cheese
- Roasted Moroccan Vegetables
- Sancho
- Joe is upset
- Three Chili Beans
- Vegetable Paella
- Western Frittata
- Whole Wheat Sicilian Pizza with Dairy-Free Mozzarella Cheese
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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the nation’s largest municipal health care system serving more than one million New Yorkers each year at more than 70 patient care locations in five boroughs. A strong network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers link care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agencies, and MetroPlusHealth — all supported by 11 key hospitals. A diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live their healthiest lives. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, TwitterInstagram and LinkedIn.
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