What You Should Know:
– Just in time for the holiday season, Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global will be releasing a new budget friendly, healthy-eating cookbook tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 26, in partnership with Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan.
– At a time when rates of chronic diseases including obesity and diabetes are rising, and many people struggle to afford and access healthy food, the Thrive Global Cookbook does more than just share recipes- it reflects Thrive Global’s belief that healthy eating is for everyone, regardless of income, location and other social determinants of health.
Thrive Global and Blue Shield Promise Champion “Food is Medicine” with Innovative Cookbook Initiative
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, a non-profit managed care organization serving over 530,000 Medi-Cal members in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, has partnered with Thrive Global to release the Thrive Global Cookbook. This free resource aims to promote nutritious, budget-friendly eating habits and address health inequities through practical, accessible guidance.
Key Features of the Thrive Global Cookbook:
- Diverse Recipes: Over 60 breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and drink recipes curated by Thrive Global’s Cognitive Nutrition Director, Tess Bredesen.
- Expert Contributions: Recipes and commentary from renowned culinary figures, including José Andrés, Ina Garten, Daniel Humm, Diane Kochilas, and others.
- Healthy Eating Tips: Dozens of creative ingredient swaps and actionable advice for cooking and shopping on a budget.
The cookbook exemplifies Thrive Global’s belief in democratizing health benefits by empowering individuals to make small, impactful changes—termed “Microsteps”—in their daily lives. By embracing the philosophy that “food is medicine,” the initiative addresses rising rates of chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, while considering social determinants of health.
Broader Impact and Community Engagement
Blue Shield Promise will promote and distribute thousands of copies of the cookbook across Southern California, incorporating its content into health education programs. The cookbook, currently available in English, will soon be accessible in Spanish and nine additional languages—including Arabic, Chinese, and Russian—by early next year to reach diverse communities.
The organization has also collaborated with local partners such as Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center. This nonprofit engages the community through educational health and nutrition programs. Olivewood’s Kitchenistas®, local leaders dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, have field-tested cookbook recipes and will host classes to teach practical meal preparation skills.
Tools for Empowerment
To further support the initiative, Thrive Global has teamed up with SharkNinja, a global product design and technology company. SharkNinja will donate 500 kitchen appliances—such as blenders, food processors, and cookware—that will be distributed through community organizations. These tools aim to empower individuals and families to prepare affordable, nutritious meals, ensuring healthy eating is achievable for all.
This initiative underscores Blue Shield Promise and Thrive Global’s commitment to combating health inequities and advancing wellness through accessible, innovative solutions that benefit underserved communities.
