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Hospitals and prisons in California must offer healthy plant-based meals under a new state law.
Senate Bill 1138 decrees that licensed California health care facilities and state prisons must make plant-based meal options containing no animal products or by-products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs available to patients and inmates.
The legislation, which was signed into law by California Gov. Jerry Brown, was authored by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and co-sponsored by the Physicians Committee and Social Compassion in Legislation.
Vegan diet
“Whether to protect animals, our climate or our health, those of us who choose to eat a vegan diet can celebrate today with Gov. Brown’s signing of SB 1138,” said Sen. Skinner.
“SB 1138 ensures that people in hospitals, healthcare facilities, or prison have access to plant-based meals.”
Judie Mancuso, President and Founder of Social Compassion in Legislation, added: “We are elated that Gov. Brown sees the value in requiring plant-based meals in prisons and medical facilities.
“Plant-based foods are key to better health outcomes, fighting climate change, and reducing the number of animals in our food production.”
Plant-based options
“Thanks to Sen. Nancy Skinner and Gov. Jerry Brown for passing this historic law that will provide plant-based options to hospital patients looking to fight heart disease, diabetes, and obesity – or who simply want a more healthful meal,” added Physicians Committee President Neal Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C.
“Now, it’s time for California hospitals to start putting into practice the plant-based meals recommended by the American Medical Association and the American College of Cardiology.”?
