New York City Mayor Eric Adams plans to invest $100,000 in training prison food workers to cook healthy plant-based meals. The Mayor's office, DOC, ACS, and Hot Bread Kitchen will collaborate on the program. It aims to teach staff at correctional facilities plant-centered culinary skills.
This initiative aligns with Mayor Adams' efforts to introduce plant-based food in public institutions. "NYC leads in healthy food access, reducing environmental impact," says Mayor Adams, who follows a plant-based diet.
The plan involves teaching chefs at Rikers Island and two youth detention centers. Food quality in US prisons tends to be low. Inmates often face health issues like diabetes due to poor food. Most New York prisoners desire more fresh produce. This program aims to improve prison meals. It prioritizes detainee health and cuts emissions.
In 2022, NYC's 11 public hospitals started offering plant-based meals as standard. Patients are 95% satisfied with them, reducing hospital food emissions by 36%. Mayor Adams launched a $44 million program for NYC doctors to learn about plant-based nutrition. New York schools now serve more plant-based food, including Vegan Fridays introduced in 2022.
