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NewYork-Presbyterian Implements Meatless Monday Initiative

NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation's most comprehensive, integrated academic health care delivery systems, launches a "Meatless Monday" initiative at a number of the Hospital's onsite retail locations, which began February 26. NewYork-Presbyterian's Meatless Monday initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Food & Nutrition, NYPBeHealthy, NYPgreen, and The Monday Campaigns, aims to educate Hospital employees, students, patients, and visitors on the benefits of consuming less meat. Meat production accounts for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major driver of climate change. In addition to reducing one's environmental footprint, consuming less meat may help individuals lower their risk of chronic diseases including heart disease, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Through Meatless Monday, NewYork-Presbyterian joins a global movement with a simple message: "Once a week, cut out meat." Staff will learn how making the meatless choice can improve their health and the health of the planet. According to NewYork-Presbyterian's employee health and well-being program, NYPBeHealthy, a meatless meal is defined as a meal containing plant-based foods such as grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and/or vegetables. A meatless meal doesn't include red meat (beef), pork, poultry, fish, or shellfish, but may contain dairy or eggs.

The following campuses will participate in the Meatless Monday initiative: NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Division.

In addition, a research study is underway targeting NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital employees from across the campuses listed above. This study, led by NewYork-Presbyterian's Department of Food & Nutrition, in partnership with Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, aims to track employee response to the Meatless Monday initiative after six months of implementation.

NewYork-Presbyterian is committed to creating a healthful environment for the community. By implementing Meatless Monday, NewYork-Presbyterian joins a number of health systems nationwide that have adopted similar policies to promote more healthful lifestyles.

For more information on this initiative, e-mail nypbehealthy@nyp.org.

— Source: NewYork-Presbyterian