New York city to ban all processed meats in hospitals, schools and shelters
Mayor Eric Adams is determined to promote healthy eating among New Yorkers, having turned his own life around after adopting a plant-based diet.
No processed meats will be served at public schools, hospitals, adult centers and shelters in New York City, from July 2026.
Under previous guidelines, deli meats were allowed, but this has now been revised. The only meats permitted are beef/ruminant meats, of which there can be no more than two servings per week, at sites offering three meals per day.
Announced in August, the raft of stricter measures will also see a blanket ban on sweeteners, artificial colors, and select preservatives.
The new standards will apply to eleven city agencies and their contractors, affecting approximately 219 million meals and snacks per year.
“When we came into office, we committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to healthy, fresh foods,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “By looking at the meals we serve, we are making New Yorkers healthier and achieving our mission of making New York City the best place to raise a family.”
Some food experts have expressed concern that young children might be negatively affected by these new measures. “It sounds good, but then when you implement it, what does it mean for kids who are used to all these fast foods from home or who are picky eaters?” said Renny Fong, the principal of Public School 130 Hernando De Soto.
But Adams’ previous plant-based initiatives have proved successful, despite initial public scepticism. Notably, in 2022, a government-backed program meant that plant-based meals would be served as the default option in New York City hospitals. A research paper published in 2024 revealed that acceptance of the plant-based meals were over 95%, with patient satisfaction above 90%.
Adams is determined to promote healthy eating among New Yorkers, having turned his own life around after adopting a plant-based diet. Within three months of cutting out all meat and dairy products, Adams reversed his diabetes diagnosis, lost weight, and lowered his cholesterol.
The link between eating meat and chronic illness is well-documented, and a recent study published in June 2025 found that eating processed meat was associated with at least an 11% average increase in type 2 diabetes, and at least a 7% increase in colorectal cancer risk.
Choose Kindness: Take the 30-Day Plant-Powered Challenge Happening This October
Starting October 1, 2025, join Species Unite for 30 days of eating and living in a way that’s kinder to animals, the planet, and yourself. Our annual 30-Day Plant-Powered Challenge sees thousands of people around the world embrace cruelty-free living for an entire month.
Be part of a movement creating a kinder, more sustainable world. Signing up is free and easy - join the 30-Day Plant-Powered Challenge today.
We Have A Favor To Ask…
Species Unite amplifies well-researched solutions to some of the most abusive animal industries operating today.
At this crucial moment, with worldwide momentum for change building, it’s vital we share these animal-free solutions with the world - and we need your help.
We’re a nonprofit, and so to keep sharing these solutions, we’re relying on you - with your support, we can continue our essential work in growing a powerful community of animal advocates this year.
More stories:
We often reduce farm animals to numbers: how many are raised, how many are killed, how much they produce. But behind each statistic is an individual, with their own personality and sense of being. What does it mean to live a life where your entire existence is reduced to profit? Let’s take a closer look.