The public hospital will now serve food free from animal ingredients and the top nine allergies as part of its climate pledge…
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A public hospital in the United States has become the first of its kind to adopt a new plant-based food initiative.
Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) implemented the ‘Universal Meals’ programme as part of its climate pledge to slash carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
The hospital will now serve food free from animal ingredients and the top nine allergies – for no extra cost.
Hospital adopts plant-based programme
The initiative was spearheaded by The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization with more than 17,000 doctor members.
It aims to ‘improve the health of everyone in the hospital community. And, help patients recover faster’.
‘Health equity’
Jocelyn Dubin is the lead public health nutritionist at Santa Clara Public Health Department.
“Adding these recipes is part of a larger recognition that both people and the environment must be well cared for,” she said.
“Providing inclusive options for people with food allergies and dietary restrictions builds toward greater health equity in our communities… As we strive to make the healthy and sustainable choice the easy choice for all.”
PCRM culinary specialist Dustin Harder hailed SCVH for adopting the ‘inclusive dining experience’.
He added: “We’re proud to have them lead the way for public health… Universal Meals is a great step forward to creating a seat at the table for everyone.”
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Featured image © Justin Paget via Getty Images
