New York City Mayor Eric Adams has become a prominent advocate for plant-based diets, driven by his personal experience and a commitment to improving the health and environment of the city. His efforts include promoting plant-based eating through various initiatives, such as expanding access to plant-based meals in schools and hospitals, launching public awareness campaigns, and supporting plant-based nutrition education.
Personal Health Transformation
Adams's advocacy for plant-based diets stems from his own health journey. After experiencing diabetic symptoms five years ago, he adopted a vegan diet and lifestyle, which he credits with reversing his Type 2 diabetes. He believes that health, animal welfare, and environmental factors are interconnected, and that promoting plant-based eating can benefit all three.
"This is personal for me: I have seen up close how chronic disease can hijack your life… a plant-based lifestyle helped save my life. Pill boxes, prescriptions, injections, and endless appointments should not define the lives of New Yorkers."
In October 2020, Adams released a book sharing his story of how plant-based eating transformed his life and addressing the impact of diet-related chronic illnesses on communities of color.
Green Monday Program
One of the key initiatives supported by Adams is the Green Monday program. The Animal Law Committee issued a report in support of Int. 1766-2019, a local law to amend the NYC administrative code to require the commissioner of health and mental hygiene to establish a Green Monday program to provide plant-based food by certain city agencies and to educate the public about the benefits of eating plant-based food. As part of the Green Monday program, city agencies that serve food as part of a public program will serve only plant-based food on Mondays. To educate the public, the commissioner will create posters and fact sheets about the Green Monday program and work with the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and others to develop educational materials. The goal is to promote the benefits of consuming foods not derived from animal products.
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Expansion of Meatless Mondays
Building on the "Meatless Monday" law implemented in New York City public schools, the proposed Green Monday program aims to extend plant-based options to city agencies and educate New Yorkers about the advantages of reducing the consumption of animal products, including dairy. Mayor de Blasio praised the Meatless Monday program's benefits to both New Yorkers and the environment, stating, “Cutting back on meat a little will improve New Yorkers’ health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
The Department of Correction (DOC) also participates in Meatless Mondays, offering plant-based menus to those in custody and staff members. DOC Commissioner Cynthia Brann views the program as beneficial to both the well-being of individuals and the planet, stating, “Promoting the wellbeing of those in our custody is a core component of our mission, and we take pride in introducing a healthier lifestyle to all… we are providing more nutritious options once a week. We are also proud to be encouraging a healthier planet with less of a carbon footprint."
Benefits of Plant-Based Food Choices
Promoting plant-based food choices offers numerous benefits to animals, personal health, and the environment. Various health organizations recommend reducing meat consumption, aligning with the goals of the Green Monday program. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has also urged consumers to consider the environmental footprint of their food choices.
While demand for plant-based foods is increasing, many individuals lack sufficient knowledge about these options. The Green Monday program aims to educate New Yorkers about the benefits of plant-based foods.
Accessibility and Education
In May 2023, the Health Department launched a new campaign titled "Eat A Whole Lot More Plants" to urge New Yorkers to adopt a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole foods. The campaign highlights the health benefits of plant-based diets, including managing and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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The campaign promotes the consumption of whole and minimally processed plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts, which are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and low in sodium, added sugar, and unhealthy fats. It includes culturally diverse recipes and encourages swapping beans for meat in favorite dishes.
Lifestyle Medicine Program
Adams has been instrumental in expanding the city's Lifestyle Medicine Program. The pilot program, launched at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in 2019 with Adams's support, has been expanded to multiple sites across the five boroughs.
The Lifestyle Medicine Program supports patients in making evidence-based lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthful plant-based diet, increasing physical activity, improving sleep habits, reducing stress, avoiding substance use, and strengthening social connections.
The program provides patients with resources such as:
- Free monthly deliveries of seasonal fresh produce
- Health Bucks to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets
- Culinary skills videos featuring healthy cooking across various culinary traditions
The program also partners with local community-based organizations to support community members in improving their nutrition and making other lifestyle changes.
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Plant-Based Meals in Hospitals
Culturally diverse plant-based meals are now the primary dinner options for inpatients at several NYC Health + Hospitals sites. Since the launch of the plant-based default program, 60 percent of eligible patients have chosen plant-based dishes, contributing to approximately 864,000 plant-based meals served per year.
The new plant-based options, inspired by Latin, Asian, and other cuisines, include Thai noodle bowls, Spanish vegetable paella with yellow rice, and Southern black-eyed pea casserole. H+H plans to offer plant-based dinner options at all hospitals and plant-based supplements and tube feeds by the end of the year.
Environmental Impact
Mayor Adams announced at the C40 cities World Summit that NYC has lowered the carbon emission of the food purchased as a city by 37 percent. Between 2019 and 2023, the city slashed its purchases of animal products by nearly 15%, with ruminant meats (predominantly beef) dropping by more than 60%. This reduction translated into a 29.2% decrease in our food-related emissions overall - or 43.7% less per 1,000 calories.
Community Support
Adams's initiatives have garnered support from various organizations and individuals, including:
- The American Heart Association
- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
- The American Institute for Cancer Research
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
- Plant Powered Metro New York
- NYC Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Plant-Based Diet: A Lifestyle Change
Following a plant-based diet is viewed as a lifestyle change rather than a strict diet. It consists primarily of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. While it does not necessarily exclude animal products, it emphasizes plant-based food sources.
A plant-based diet is considered nutrient-dense and packed with fiber, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Research suggests that plant-based diets may prevent and treat chronic diseases and reduce dependence on medications.
Getting Started with a Plant-Based Diet
Starting a plant-based diet can be achieved by incorporating fruits and vegetables into all meals, including whole grains, and ensuring that each meal or snack is composed of 2/3 plants and no more than 1/3 animal product.