SUPPORTING STATEMENT: In 2017, the American Medical Association adopted a policy, H-150.949: Healthful Food
Options in Health Care Facilities, calling on U.S. hospitals to improve the health of patients,
staff, and visitors by providing a variety of healthful food, including plant-based meals and meals
that are low in fat, sodium, and added sugars; eliminating processed meats from menus; and
providing and promoting healthful beverages. These healthful changes enjoy strong support from
patients.
Subsequently, NYC Health + Hospitals—the nation’s largest municipal healthcare system,
treating more than one million patients per year—began offering plant-based dishes as the
default lunch and dinner option for inpatients at all of its 11 public hospitals. Patient satisfaction
has been greater than 90%, staff satisfaction has been similarly high, and costs have dropped by
approximately 60 cents per food tray. Media coverage has been strongly favorable, greatly
boosting the system’s image.
Plant-based diets offer patients a variety of health benefits, including lower risks of
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, and even severe COVID-19.
They can also be effective for weight management, treatment of hypertension and
hyperlipidemia, and reduced stroke risk. Patients who eat plant-based meals have a higher intake
of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, leading to smoother recovery after surgery and
possibly reducing readmission rates. Serving healthful food helps patients get well and stay well
over the long term, creating a teachable moment in which patients learn which foods help treat
and prevent chronic disease.
Recent research shows that plant-based foods present, on average, a 16% revenue savings. When
scaled to an institutional level, these savings increase exponentially. Additional potential savings
will accrue to the extent that patients with congestive heart failure or renal disease remain out of
the hospital for longer periods (recurrent hospitalizations lead to financial penalties).
Employee health improves and absenteeism decreases when the food environment is improved.
A multicenter study for GEICO employees found that providing plant-based food offerings and
simple educational messages improved employee health and reduced health-related productivity
impairments by 40–46%. With improved employee health, Encompass may lower healthcare
costs, increase productivity, and increase revenue.
Encompass aims “to provide a better way to care that elevates expectations and outcomes.” In
the interest of improving patient health and satisfaction, achieving significant revenues savings,
boosting employee health, reducing absenteeism, and enhancing Encompass’s image as a
healthcare leader, we respectfully urge shareholders to support this resolution.