Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is bringing free, healthy recipe tastings to five community events across San Diego County using a pop-up food truck. The food truck made its first appearance on Oct. 31 at Chula Vista Community Collaborative’s Trunk or Treat event — and four additional events are scheduled through the end of the year.
This builds on Blue Shield Promise’s ongoing collaboration with Thrive Global, a behavior change technology company founded and led by wellness pioneer Arianna Huffington.
The food truck brings to life the two organizations' Thrive Global cookbook — a free, downloadable collection of more than 60 recipes curated from celebrity chefs and renowned culinary experts including José Andrés and Ina Garten — that has been translated into 10 languages. Readers can plan and prepare nutritious, easy-to-make meals.
“When people can see, taste and experience healthy cooking, they’re far more likely to make lasting changes to improve their health and wellness,” said Kristen Cerf, president and chief executive officer of Blue Shield Promise. “These events reflect Blue Shield Promise’s whole-person approach to health care by bringing nutrition, community connection and practical wellness resources directly to the San Diegans we serve.”
The Thrive Global cookbook, introduced in 2024, has been embraced by community partners in California, including Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, Casa Familiar and Kitchens for Good. These organizations initially helped test and prepare recipes for the cookbook and have continued to use it as a resource in their local food and wellness programs.
Upcoming events in San Diego County featuring the Blue Shield Promise Thrive Global Cookbook Food Truck
Holiday Distribution Event
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Chicano Federation, 2175 Newton Avenue in San Diego
Toys for Tots
Friday, Dec. 12, from 5-7 p.m.
The Border View Family YMCA, 3601 Arey Drive in San Diego
Holiday Event
Thursday, Dec. 18, from 4-6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego – Payne Family Branch, 1430 D Avenue in National City
Toys for Tots
Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Copley Price Family Health Center, 4300 El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego
In 2026, Blue Shield Promise will continue to promote awareness of the Thrive Global Cookbook and feature its recipes in various healthy eating, nutrition and cooking classes at community-based organizations throughout San Diego and Los Angeles counties. The organizations in San Diego County include Chefs de Cuisine Association of San Diego, Mama’s Kitchen, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, Project New Village and Coastal Roots Farm. In Los Angeles County, these include Active San Gabriel Valley, Food Access Los Angeles, Hollywood Food Coalition, Cultiva Los Angeles and Homeboy Industries.
To learn more about the Thrive Global Cookbook, visit The Thrive Global Cookbook. For more on Blue Shield Promise, visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise.
