Tofu or not tofu? Diners in New York nursing homes may soon have both options, thanks to a bill requiring vegan meals at no extra cost.
The state Senate and Assembly passed similar bills this week that require all New York hospitals or nursing homes providing residential care to serve plant-based meals to any patient who requests them.
NewYorkUpstate.com notes the bill’s sponsors were influenced by a 2017 American Medical Association resolution that tied patient health to healthy foods like vegetarian and vegan meals.
Last year, California passed similar legislation that applied to hospitals and prisoners.
Though provider organizations hadn’t taken a position on such proposals at the time, lawmakers and some healthcare advocates said providing healthier meals could be worth any extra cost if they improve residents’ health.
The New York bill would go into effect one year after it is finalized.
