Cities steering the race to healthy, sustainable diets

The following case study is part of a set that illustrate the Food Systems Call to Action in motion. Each story demonstrates innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across sectors, geographies, and communities, highlighting how food systems are being transformed.

Context: As food contributes significantly to urban carbon emissions, cities must take action to promote plant-based diets and reduce food waste to combat climate change and improve public health.

Partners: C40 Cities, New York Health + Hospitals, NYC Mayor's Office of Food Policy
Duration: Initiative began in earnest in 2021; aim to reduce New York City’s food-based carbon footprint by 33 percent by 2030.
Location: New York City, USA (specifically Brooklyn for the culinary center)
Impact Achieved

• 783,000 plant-based meals served in 2023

• 50% of in-patients now opting for plant-based meals

• A 90% overall approval rating for plant-based meals at New York’s Health + Hospitals

• Contributing to a goal of reducing food-based carbon footprint by 33% by 2030

Brief Description
Food accounts for 13% of cities’ carbon emissions every year. The "C40:Good Food Cities” Accelerator aims to reduce the carbon footprint of food in cities by promoting plant-based diets and reducing food waste. New York City is part of this effort through its Health + Hospitals system, which prepares 15,000 meals daily for public hospitals and nursing homes. The initiative focuses on providing culturally relevant, plant-based meals and has seen significant patient acceptance. The program is part of a larger effort, which includes 96 global mayors, to combat climate change and promote healthy, equitable communities. Key activities include developing plant-based menus, educating patients, and monitoring and adjusting meal offerings based on feedback.

More info here and here.

Main image: NYC Mayor's Office of Food Policy

The Food Systems Call to Action is a global initiative that urges non-state actors and governments to take immediate steps to transform food systems by 2030. It highlights the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and equitable approaches that support food security, protect nature, and address climate change. Through targeted actions and principles, the Call to Action emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—ensuring that farmers, frontline workers, Indigenous communities, and other key players are at the forefront of decision-making and implementation.