As the second-fastest growing city in the nation, it’s no wonder Fort Worth has also seen a shift in the food scene. Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed an increase in demand for plant-based, sustainable options and socially responsible food businesses. There’s no doubt that Fort Worth is moving plant-forward with a focus on community.
The American Heart Association defines plant-forward as a style of cooking and eating that emphasizes plant-based foods but that is not strictly limited to them. While Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants and menu items fall under the category of plant-forward, it’s also a community focus and sense of responsibility that inspires restaurant owners to partner with us.
Offering and highlighting Blue Zones menu items is just one of many ways these partner restaurants work with Blue Zones Project to support our community’s well-being. Early on during the COVID pandemic, Blue Zones Project provided partnering restaurants and coffee shops with “to-go” signage and promotional support. As restrictions eased, we offered COVID-19 safety guidelines, social distancing materials, and employee resources that helped restaurants and businesses keep their customers and staff safe. (Those resources are still offered and available to any businesses.)
Restaurants also support community well-being through participation in Blue Zones Project-sponsored community events, such as our spring “Roll or Stroll” promotion with Fort Worth Bike Sharing. The event encouraged the community to walk or bike to participating restaurants and coffee shops, where they were rewarded with delicious plant-forward options and a free high-quality water bottle. More recently, Blue Zones Project launched its second annual Blue Zones Restaurant Week with more than 20 area restaurants offering great deals on plant-based menu items. It was the first time we had seen such a diverse group of restaurants offering plant-based, vegetarian and vegan options. Restaurants were eager to demonstrate that creative plant-based options were available, and many new vegan locations wanted the community to know that they are here and growing in “Cowtown.” Restaurants were also eager to be a part of a community program that made plant-based and plant-forward options accessible and affordable.
Events like these not only encourage our community to improve their well-being by staying active and adding a plant-slant to their dining-out experience but also drive diners’ awareness of our growing plant-forward and community focused food scene. To learn more about our Blue Zones Project partner restaurants and where you can find plant-forward options, visit info.bluezonesproject.com/fwrestaurants.