#United States #Oakland #Thrive Global #Blue Shield #Cookbook

Free Cookbook Collaborated by Blue Shield and Thrive Global

In a commendable effort to foster healthier eating habits among communities, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan has partnered with Thrive Global, founded by Arianna Huffington, to launch the Thrive Global Cookbook. This free cookbook, centered on healthy and budget-friendly recipes, aims to make nutritious eating accessible to a broader audience, especially for those on limited incomes.

The cookbook, available for download now in English, will soon be released in Spanish and will include translations in nine additional languages including Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese. This initiative reflects the growing recognition of the pivotal role that nutrition plays in public health, especially amidst rising chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

With more than 60 diverse recipes ranging from breakfast to dinner and snacks in between, the cookbook showcases contributions from renowned chefs including José Andrés and Ina Garten. Each recipe is crafted not only to delight the palate but also to empower individuals and families to prepare meals that do not strain their budgets.

A Vision for Health Equity

In her comments, Arianna Huffington emphasized the importance of food in overall well-being. She stated, “Food is a significant part of our mission at Thrive Global. Our daily behaviors, including what we eat, affect everything — our sleep, stress levels, and overall health.” This cookbook is a testament to Thrive Global’s commitment to making healthy eating a reality for everyone, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

Moreover, the Thrive Global Cookbook serves as a resource that encourages small lifestyle changes, termed Microsteps. These incremental yet impactful adjustments help individuals cultivate better eating habits, thereby improving their health outcomes.

Kristen Cerf, the CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, echoed this sentiment, stating that access to nutrient-rich meals is essential for overall well-being. This cookbook serves as an invaluable tool, providing families with resources to incorporate healthier food into their diets.

Community Engagement and Support

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Blue Shield Promise is not only disseminating thousands of cookbooks but is also integrating these recipes into local health education programs in Southern California. Collaborating with organizations like Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, they are actively field-testing recipes and hosting classes aimed at equipping community members with essential cooking skills.

Kitchenistas®, local leaders passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles, are pivotal in this initiative. Through their community engagement, they aim to transform traditional cooking habits into healthier practices, ensuring everyone has access to nutritious meals.

A Commitment to Empowerment

To further support this endeavor, the Thrive Global Foundation is partnering with SharkNinja, a company dedicated to positive community impact. SharkNinja will donate 500 kitchen appliances to aid families in preparing healthy meals. This initiative signifies a holistic approach to health, wherein access to cooking tools complements accessible nutrition.

Mark Barrocas, CEO of SharkNinja, expressed enthusiasm about their role in this partnership, emphasizing how providing innovative kitchen products supports community well-being. Their collaboration aligns with the larger vision of promoting resilience and health across communities in need.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Thrive Global Cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it represents a significant step toward addressing health inequities. By making healthy cooking easy, fun, and budget-friendly, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and Thrive Global are empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to transform their diets and ultimately their health. As they say, healthier eating is just one Microstep away! To learn more about this initiative or download the cookbook, visit Thrive Global's Cooking With Purpose webpage for more information.