May 2025
Samson Cafe Celebrates Becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant
Samson Cafe at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey celebrated becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant with a day full of fun activities and delicious food. MIIS held a Plant-Based Festival on April 18 as part of their Earth Week celebrations. The cafe’s approval was celebrated with a coconut chia pudding demo, samples of plant-based foods, and a happy hour for students and staff. We are thrilled to have Samson Cafe as part of the family of Blue Zones Project approved organizations.
El Mercado at Hartnell College Joins the Blue Zones Movement
We’re thrilled to officially welcome El Mercado, Hartnell College’s Basic Needs Center, as a Blue Zones Project Inspired Organization! More than a pantry, El Mercado is a hub of compassion and support—offering free access to healthy food, personal care items, and essentials in a dignified, student-centered space. Their commitment to well-being shines through dedicated Blue Zones sections, healthy shelf talkers, plant-based recipe cards, and even a cooking demo that brought longevity-friendly meals to life. Congratulations to the El Mercado team for setting a new standard in student support and food access!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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April 2025
La Tortuga Becomes a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant
La Tortuga became a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant in March, becoming the 61st approved restaurant in Monterey County and 5th in Seaside. La Tortuga adopted several best practices as part of their approval process, including removing salt shakers from tables, making complimentary chips and salsa by request only, and adding three Blue Zones Inspired entrees to the menu. Congratulations, La Tortuga!
Restaurant Month in Monterey County
March is National Nutrition Month, and with that, we celebrated Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants with events across the county throughout the month. “Taste the blue zones” events were held at Main Street Bakery, El Colibri, and La Casa del Sazon in Salinas and East Village Cafe in Monterey. A special Blue Zones bites event with movement activities was held at our BZP Inspired Market, La Cocina in King City. Community members were also invited to enjoy a Blue Zones Inspired dish at any of the approved restaurants and tag Blue Zones Project Monterey County’s social media pages for a chance to win a prize. Thank you to all who participated!
Blue Zones Inspired Takeout Guide Goes Live
Blue Zones Project Monterey County has developed a Blue Zones Inspired Takeout Guide featuring Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants. It serves as a quick reference guide to Blue Zones Inspired catering and takeout options throughout the county in efforts to promote healthy choices for work meetings, staff lunches, or a meal to-go. Check out the guide here: https://bit.ly/BZTakeoutGuide
Gonzales Community Garden Day
Community garden stakeholders, BZPMC, The Resource Conservation District of Monterey County, Save the Whales, and City of Gonzales hosted a Community Garden Day. Community members helped de-weed, plant seeds, and water the garden. It was a family friendly event, with kids joining in on tasks and the little ones painting rocks. At the end of the event, community members were able to harvest produce to take home.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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March 2025
Bringing Healthy Cooking to the Community!
February was full of hands-on learning and delicious plant-based dishes! On February 11, we hosted a Heart Health Month cooking demo at El Gabilan Library, where attendees got to sample our vibrant pink hummus and build a nutritious snack board. The event was a great success, and our partnership with the library was even featured in a Salinas Californian article celebrating their five-year anniversary! Read more here.
Later in the month, on February 21, we teamed up with Hartnell College’s Basic Needs Center, "El Mercado," for an interactive cooking demo with students. Over 20 participants joined us to learn how to make a hearty plant-based chili with corn while also exploring ways to shop for healthier ingredients on a budget. As part of our ongoing collaboration, we also installed shelf talkers to highlight Blue Zones-approved products and helped organize an end-cap section to reflect our nutrition guidelines. Signage and recipe cards are on the way, and once installed, El Mercado will officially be recognized as a Blue Zones Inspired Organization!
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We love bringing these cooking demos to the community — stay tuned for more opportunities to learn, taste, and get inspired!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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February 2025
Manasiri’s Crepes Becomes a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant
We are thrilled to have Manasiri’s Crepes in Downtown Monterey join the community of Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants. Their Blue Zones Inspired dishes include the Avocado Toast, House Salad, Greek Salad, and Mary’s bagel, a flavorful bagel sandwich with hummus, pesto, spinach, tomato, and za’atar seasoning. Stay tuned for an upcoming approval celebration to highlight the great work being done at Manasiri’s Crepes.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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January 2025
El Rancho Market Becomes a Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store
El Rancho Market in Marina officially earned their approval status on December 3, 2024. El Rancho Market has a Blue Zones Inspired Healthy Endcap which features a variety of plant-based foods, recipes, and QR codes to the BZPMC Inspired cookbook. Blue Zones foods and healthy beverage options are called out with shelf talkers, and nutritious options in the checkout lane are highlighted. Many thanks to the staff at El Rancho Market who were open to working with BZPMC to create a healthier chopping environment for their customers.
Nations Market Becomes a Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store
Nations Market in Seaside completed the Market Makeover process in December 2024. A produce stand was added to allow for improved produce options, healthy items are called out with shelf talkers, and nutrition resources are shared in the market. In early December 2024, healthy samples of new items added to the market were offered. Customers enjoyed the flavored sparkling water and were excited to see more produce in the market. Congratulations, Nations Market!
Samson Café at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey Becomes a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant
Samson Café at MIIS officially became a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant on December 10, 2024. Samson Café offers delicious and creative Blue Zones Inspired Dishes on both their lunch and grab and go menus. Many thanks to MA student Leilani who spearheaded these efforts, as well as the Ardent Culinaire team, who brought their passion for nutrition, sustainability, and well-being into this project. Congratulations, Samson Café, on this incredible accomplishment!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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December 2024
BZP Restaurant Mixer
We were thrilled to host our First Annual Blue Zones Project Restaurant Mixer, bringing together restaurant owners and staff from restaurants across Monterey County. The event fostered a sense of community, encouraged knowledge sharing, and strengthened our collective sustainability efforts. Together, we discussed favorite Blue Zones-inspired dishes, ways we can support our partners, and long-term goals for healthier dining.
A big thank you to La Plaza Bakery, La Casa del Sazon, Hestia, Bloom Coffee Shop, and The Steinbeck House Restaurant for joining us and sharing your insights. Your participation made this inaugural event a success.
Googie Grill Celebrates their Blue Zones Project Restaurant Approval
Googie Grill in Seaside celebrated their restaurant approval with tabling and a raffle at the restaurant during lunch. A table with Blue Zones Project resources was on display all week. Googie Grill offers delicious plant-based dishes on their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Congratulations to Googie Grill on this amazing accomplishment!
Soledad Cooking Demo: Plant-Based Pozole
We hosted a cooking demonstration at the Soledad Community Center, featuring a delicious plant-based pozole made with oyster mushrooms. Attendees learned how to prepare this healthier twist on a classic dish, perfect for enjoying with family and friends.
Salinas Cooking Demo: Tofu Breakfast Scramble
We teamed up with the Salinas Public Libraries for a cooking demonstration at the Cesar Chavez Library. Led by our volunteer Marie Romero, attendees learned how to make a tasty and nutritious tofu breakfast scramble sandwich—a perfect way to start the day.
Celebrating Mangia - Eat on Main
We celebrated Mangia - Eat on Main, an Italian restaurant in Salinas, for becoming the 29th Blue Zones Project-approved restaurant in the city! Mangia’s commitment to offering healthier, delicious options and promoting community well-being is an inspiration.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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November 2024
Ohana Café Celebrates their Blue Zones Project Restaurant Approval
Ohana Café in Monterey celebrated their restaurant approval along with Ohana's worksite approval on October 1st with celebrations among the food service staff, followed by an all-staff meeting. Many thanks to the dedicated team members at Ohana who work together to support the well-being of their staff, patients, and visitors.
East Village Cafe celebrates their Blue Zones Project Restaurant Approval
East Village Cafe in Monterey celebrated their accomplishment with a Blue Zones Project takeover of the Global Villagers Community monthly gathering. Attendees enjoyed delicious food among great company while participating in Power 9 themed activities and a fun raffle. Over fifty people engaged with Blue Zones Project during the exciting celebrations.
The Creperie Cafe Celebrated their Blue Zones Project Restaurant Approval
The Creperie Cafe in Seaside celebrated their restaurant approval on October 26th with BZP tabling, samples of the Blue Zones Inspired Veggie Crepe, and a raffle. Congratulations to The Creperie Cafe on their accomplishment.
MPUSD Preschool Parent Group Cooking Class
Blue Zones Project led an interactive cooking class for the preschool parent group at the Seaside Child Development Center. Parents learned about Blue Zones Project then prepared applesauce overnight oats with their children to take home. Children enjoyed the activity of making the food and, of course, getting to taste it.
Taco Tuesday at La Casa Del Sazon 3
La Casa Del Sazon 3 in Monterey held a Taco Tuesday event where they offered free tacos to college students. The taco plate included a flavorful Blue Zones Inspired potato taco with tomatoes and onion. This event was hugely successful, with over 100 college students attending. Many students were learning about Blue Zones Project and visiting the restaurant for the first time. Thanks to the owner and staff at La Casa Del Sazon for giving back to the community in this way!
Sherwood Elementary School Grocery Tour
In collaboration with La Princesa Market Alisal and Sherwood Elementary School, we organized a grocery walking tour for parents, showcasing what an approved grocery store looks like. We had strong participation, and many parents asked insightful questions. With the school and market just around the corner from each other, it was an excellent opportunity to connect families to the store and highlight the fantastic California-grown produce available to them.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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October 2024
East Village Cafe becomes a Blue Zones Approved Restaurant!
East Village Cafe officially became a Blue Zones Approved Restaurant on September 27th, 2024. This is the 21st Blue Zones Approved Restaurant in the Peninsula Cities and 56th in Monterey County. Try the nourishing and hearty Blue Zones Inspired overnight oats or the savory veggie samosas. Visit East Village Café at 498 Washington St., Monterey CA 93940.
El Gabilan Cooking Demo
Thank you to La Casa del Sazon for leading our cooking demo on September 17 at the El Gabilan Library! Attendees learned how to make a delicious Tostada Monarca, featuring beans, cabbage, avocado, and a sweet & spicy salsa with diced chayote and carrots. Don’t miss our next demo at the Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas on Wednesday, November 6, at 4 PM, located at 615 Williams Rd. See you there!
Salinas Certification Celebrations
We want to thank our participating BZP Approved Restaurants: La Casa del Sazon, Portobello's on Main, El Colibri Restaurant & Deli, Steinbeck House Restaurant and La Plaza Bakery for the delicious bites & Scheid Vineyard for providing some great wine to celebrate at our Awards Night. Likewise, big shoutout to Sabor Latin Fusion, R Truck, El Barrio, El Taquero and CalWater for providing blue zones inspired and healthy dishes and drinks at our community celebration!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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September 2024
The Creperie Cafe is a Blue Zones Approved Restaurant!
The Creperie Café officially became a Blue Zones Approved Restaurant on August 28th, 2024. This is the 4th Blue Zones Approved restaurant in Seaside and 20th in the Peninsula Cities. The menu includes five delicious Blue Zones Inspired crepes, including The Mediterranean and Sicilian Caponata crepes. Come for a delicious plant-based crepe and stay to play a board game, browse the lending library or enjoy an open mic night. Visit The Creperie Café at 1123 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955.
La Cocina Approval Celebration
La Cocina Market in King City celebrated becoming the first BZP-Inspired Market with a ribbon cutting with KC Chamber of Commerce, King City Mayor, Supervisor Chris Lopez. There were free BZP inspired bites from all participating food vendors, music, baile folklorico, and over 100 community came and tried the delicious and healthy dishes.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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August 2024
La Preciosa Family Supermarket is officially a Blue Zones Approved Grocery Store!
La Preciosa Family Supermarket officially became a Blue Zones Approved Grocery Store in July. This is the first Blue Zones Approved Grocery Store in Seaside and third in the Peninsula Cities. The store has labeled Blue Zones food options throughout the aisles, highlighted their colorful fresh produce department, and created a healthy checkout counter. Next time you are in seaside, stop by La Preciosa Family Supermarket for a healthy choice.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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July 2024
La Preciosa Family Supermarket Grocery Store Tour and Healthy Samples
La Preciosa Family Supermarket in Seaside held a grocery store tour led by a Registered Dietitian on June 26, 2024. Attendees learned about tips for healthy eating on a budget in an interactive tour of the store. Customers who were not able to join the tour had the chance to engage with BZP staff and sample a refreshing fruit and herb infused water and flavorful pineapple with lime and mint. BZP resources and nutrition handouts were offered. La Preciosa Family Supermarket is in the process of becoming the first Blue Zones approved grocery store in Seaside. Check out our events page for more “Eat Wisely” events.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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June 2024
Cooking Demos
Last month our Food Team helped support five (5) cooking demos in Monterey County. Three in the peninsula cities, one in partnership with the Marina High School Culinary Arts class, another one in Monterey with DLAMP and one for the remote staff of Cypress Healthcare Partners. They made some delicious and easy plant-based recipes for all to try and be inspired to make at home. Likewise in south county there were two cooking demos, one in partnership with Sun Streets Centers for their teen moms and one in partnership with Alliance on Aging for their seniors.
Stay tune for our upcoming Cooking Demo in June taking place on 6/26 at the Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas. BZP will also be hosting a Grocery Store Tour in Seaside at La Preciosa Market on 6/26. Visit our Eventbrite for details and registration.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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May 2024
Ohana Café restaurant approval
Ohana Café at the Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health became a Blue Zones Approved restaurant on 4/1/24 by achieving 55 points. Ohana Café offers nourishing dishes to patients, staff, and visitors with a menu that includes plant-based options. Congratulations to Ohana Café on this accomplishment!
Happy Girl Kitchen Co. restaurant approval
Happy Girl Kitchen Co. achieved their Blue Zones Restaurant Approval status on 4/19/24 with an impressive 59 out of 44 points. Happy Girl Kitchen Co. is the second Blue Zones Approved restaurant in Pacific Grove. Their menu features flavorful and creative dishes made from scratch using local, organic ingredients. Congratulations to Happy Girl Kitchen Co.!
Salinas Project Certification Site Visit
From April 22nd to 25th, we welcomed members of our central team to Salinas for a momentous occasion - our Certification Site Visit. It was an enriching experience as we showcased our Blue Zones-approved establishments. Throughout the visit, we had the pleasure of introducing our guests to a some of our Blue Zones Approved Restaurants and Grocery Stores, providing them with firsthand insight into the heart and soul of our community.
As we reflect on our recent site visit, we're reminded of the progress we've made together. With each approved restaurant and grocery store, we're building a stronger, healthier Salinas.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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April 2024
Exciting News from Sabor Latin Fusion!
We're thrilled to announce that Sabor Latin Fusion has brought back their much-loved Blue Zones-inspired tacos! Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering journey with two delectable options: Mushroom Al Pastor and Hawaiian BBQ Mushroom Taco.
Whether you're a taco enthusiast or looking for healthier, plant-based choices, these creations are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Available every Thursday and Friday, swing by Sabor Latin Fusion located on San Joaquin St next to the South Main CVS in Salinas. Don't miss out on the chance to savor these mouthwatering treats!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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March 2024
Earthbound Farm Stand Restaurant Approval Celebration/ Healthy Living at Earthbound Farms
Earthbound Farm Stand became a Blue Zones Approved restaurant on 1/19/2024. On February 24, 2024, they celebrated their approval with a Healthy Living at Earthbound Farms event. Activities were based on the four Blue Zone pillars: Move Naturally, Right Outlook, Eat Wisely, and Connect. Attendees enjoyed salad samples, farm walks, and connecting with others in a beautiful outdoor setting. Over 85 people from the community joined in on the festivities. Congratulations to Earthbound Farm Stand on becoming a Blue Zones Approved restaurant and their fun-filled celebration event!
Googie Grill is Officially a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant
We are thrilled to announce that Googie Grill is officially a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant! Check out Googie Grill’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, which each include delicious Blue Zones Inspired dishes, marked by a blue checkmark. Visit Googie Grill at 1520 Del Monte Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955.
Heart Healthy Cooking Demo at the Monterey Public Library
Thanks to all who joined us for the Heart Healthy Cooking demo at the Monterey Public Library on February 20, 2024. In honor of American Heart Month, attendees learned about nutrition for heart health, sampled a lentil salad, and enjoyed a DIY sparkling water station with herbs and fresh fruit for flavoring. Check out our Events page for future cooking demonstrations and community events.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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February 2024
Peninsula Café at Monterey Peninsula College Approval Celebration
Peninsula Café at Monterey Peninsula College became a Blue Zones Approved restaurant in July 2023. On January 17, 2024, they celebrated their approval with a Power 9 themed bash for staff. Over 100 people attended the fun and exciting event, where there was a station for each of the Power 9 Principles, including two plant-based cooking demonstrations, a paint and sip station, an area to watch “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” and more. Attendees enjoyed sampling tasty plant-based bites featuring Blue Zones Inspired dishes from the Peninsula Café and recipes from the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook, while downshifting and spending quality time with coworkers. Congratulations to Peninsula Café of becoming a Blue Zones Approved restaurant and their fun and successful celebration event!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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January 2024
Fueling Festive Fun: YMCA Winter Camp Makes Healthy Holiday Treats with Blue Zones Project
This holiday season, the YMCA and Blue Zones Project brought joy and health together with Grinch Kabobs and Celery Reindeer. Kids delighted in assembling these nutritious and festive snacks, featuring fresh green grapes, banana slices, and strawberries for the Grinch Kabobs, and celery, sunflower seed butter, mini dark chocolate chips, and pretzels for the adorable Celery Reindeer. Promoting wellness while spreading holiday cheer - a true testament to our commitment to a healthier, happier community!
Find the easy and yummy recipes below:
Exciting News! Blue Zones Project Monterey County proudly presents its Community Cookbook!
We’re delighted to share our Blue Zones Project Monterey County Cookbook! Filled with 25 incredible recipes from our Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants and our vibrant community. Stay tuned for the digital version—coming soon for easy access to these delicious, health-focused recipes at your fingertips!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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December 2023
Double Up Food Bucks
The launch of the Double Up Food Bucks program is now at La Princesa Market on Williams Road and E. Alisal Street in Salinas!
This nationally recognized nutrition incentive program offers a 50% discount on fresh California-grown fruits and veggies for CalFresh shoppers using their EBT cards. 🛒 In a community where 40% face food access challenges, this program is a critical resource, breaking down barriers to healthy eating. This program would mean thousands of low-income families in Monterey County are able to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Huge thanks to the California Department of Food and Agriculture for their support, bringing over $1 million to our community! To the incredible partners, Aspire Health, La Princesa, SPUR, and Blue Zones Project for making this collaboration a reality.
Let's make healthy food more affordable, support local businesses, and boost demand for California-grown produce.
Stay tuned for launches in Greenfield and King City in 2024.
Star Market is a BZP Approved Grocery Store
Star Market in Salinas has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming Blue Zones Approved. Key best practices that were implemented include a Blue Zones Foods Endcap, Healthy Checkout Lane, and shelf talkers calling out healthier options. Star Market is the 5th Grocery Store in the Salinas Project to be Blue Zones Approved.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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November 2023
Villa Rivera Café Approval Celebration
It is with great pleasure that we celebrate Villa Rivera Café for becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant – the 27th in our Salinas Project. Joining 48 total Blue Zones Project approved restaurants in Monterey County.
Dual Approval Celebration Schooners and Tidal Coffee
Blue Zones Project® Monterey County is proud to announce the restaurant and café approval of both Schooners and Tidal Coffee located at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is also a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite, and they have gone above any beyond with the dual approval of Schooners and Tidal.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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October 2023
Approval Celebration!
We are happy to welcome Marina Grocery Outlet to the BZP family! Marina Grocery Outlet is our 2nd Grocery approval celebration in the Peninsula Cities and our FIRST approval celebration in Marina. Thank you to co-owners Kristi Lau, Luc Allison, and their team for their early adoption and commitment to the well-being of their customers!
Celebrating Castroville's Freshest Fiesta: A Market Matchup Extravaganza!
BZPMC is delighted to announce its participation in the launch of a farmers market, which will be incorporated into the existing market at the Castroville Recreation Center (organized by North County Recreation and Park District). Commencing on October 12th, the year-round market will feature a minimum of two local growers showcasing their finest fruits and vegetables, all freshly harvested within our community.
In addition to the remarkable produce selection, we are pleased to unveil a strategic collaboration with Everyone's Harvest. This partnership and BZPMC’s financial contribution will allow the market to accept EBT/CalFresh payments and introduce a compelling $15 Market Match initiative.
This noteworthy program empowers EBT cardholders to enhance their purchasing power. By allocating $15 from their EBT card, CalFresh beneficiaries can procure a bounty of produce valued at $30, effectively doubling their investment.
Residents of North Monterey County are encouraged to mark their calendars and make the Castroville market a regular destination for acquiring fresh, locally sourced products. For those residing in other regions of our county, we encourage you to explore alternate venues where you can procure fresh produce and leverage the benefits of the Market Match program.
Castroville market takes place at the recreation center at 11261 Crane Street in Castroville, every Thursday from 2pm to 7:30pm.
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Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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September 2023
Savoring Success at El Gabilan Library's Cooking Demo!
Chef Gerado Juarez from BZP Approved Restaurant La Cantina Brewing Company took center stage at El Gabilan Library on August 29th. With over 50 attendees, the event was a hit, as Chef Juarez demonstrated the art of crafting Tofu Al Pastor Tacos from their Blue Zones Inspired menu. The fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with a healthy twist delighted taste buds and showcased the joys of community, great food, and balanced living.
Culinary Bonds at Los Abueltios: Blue Zones Cooking Workshop
CHISPA's Los Abuelitos Senior Apartments in Salinas became a hub of culinary creativity on August 11th. Seniors united for a hands-on cooking workshop, making a remarkable Blue Zones-inspired dish: Black Bean and Mango Salad with Soy Lime Dressing. Beyond the flavors, the event highlighted the community's joint dedication to health and togetherness.
Taste of Community and Freshness: La Michoacana's Produce Tasting
Corner Store La Michoacana buzzed with local flavors on August 16th. Partnering with Alba Organics, the store offered a delightful produce tasting featuring cherry tomatoes, dino kale, cilantro, squash blossom flowers, tomatoes, carrots, and celery. The highlight? A vibrant Kale Salad that showcased the ingredients' essence in every bite. This event celebrated local produce and embodied a true taste of freshness.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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August 2023
Grocery Outlet Tour
On July 27th, Blue Zones Project Monterey County held an exciting event at the newly approved Blue Zones Project grocery store, Grocery Outlet in Marina. The participants gathered for an informative and engaging grocery store tour, designed to promote healthy and budget-friendly shopping habits.
Participants had the opportunity to explore the transformed Grocery Outlet store, experiencing firsthand the positive changes. As they navigated the aisles, they learned invaluable tips and tricks for budget shopping, making it easier to make healthier choices.
The tour wasn’t just about shopping; it was an interactive experience where attendees got to taste a mouthwatering Blue Zones inspired recipe! Join us for future grocery store tours and let’s build a thriving Blue Zones community together!
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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June 2023
Cesar Chavez Cooking Demo
We had a flavor-packed adventure in June! As part of the Salinas Library’s Healthy Living Series, Blue Zones Project Monterey County organized a sizzling summer BBQ demo at Cesar Chavez Library. Attendees savored grilled corn, tomato, and avocado salad, alongside mouthwatering Portobello burgers with BBQ sauce. It was a delightful experience of plant-based cooking and a wonderful way to embrace a healthier lifestyle!
Grocery Store Approval
Grocery Outlet in Marina is now a Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store! Next time you visit them take a look at their Healthy Checkout Lane that now has fruit, water, and healthy snack options for you to purchase on your way out.
Your restaurant or grocery store can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ !
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May 2023
La Princesa Grocery Store Tour
At the beginning of the month, Sherwood Elementary School Parents (Walking Moai Group) were invited to attend a grocery store at La Princesa on Alisal Street which was half a mile from the school. Participants were able to see the stores transformations first hand. Other activities included reading nutrition labels together, going over MyPlate, and receiving BZP Inspired Recipes.
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozarella Bar Restaurant Approval Celebration
Congratulations to Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozarella Bar for becoming the FIRST BZP Approved Restaurant in Pacific Grove! They are now offering a pasta option with freshly made with organic sprouted wheat flour. We predict your next dinner plan being at Mezzaluna.
Your restaurant can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurant!
Register your restaurant today!
April 2023
MLK Family Resource Center Grocery Shopping & Cooking Class
Blue Zones Project and the MLK Family Resource Center collaborated on a unique event that led students from their Adult English Learning Class to go on a shopping trip to a BZP Approved Grocery Store (La Princesa – Sanborn) to gather ingredients for their cooking class.
The students were able to procure all their healthy ingredients during the shopping trip to then create two BZP Inspired Dishes back in the classroom. One team made a Spinach Salad with strawberries, pecans, pepitas, apples, red onion, and a balsamic vinaigrette. While the other team made a black bean salad with mango, avocado, plantain, jalapeño, cilantro, red onion, tossed in a lime and soy sauce dressing.
We were happy to see students #connect and enjoy a healthy meal together. Special thanks to their teacher Javier for partnering with us!
Pigs Pinot & More
The 13th Annual Salinas Downtown Rotary Pigs, Pinot, & More took place on April 15th at 201 Main and featured 13 Blue Zones Approved Restaurants. The participating restaurants were able to showcase tastings of BZP Inspired dishes for hundreds to try. A big thank you to all 13 BZP Approved Restaurants that participated!
- Aki Fresh Mex
- Culturas Hidalgo y Oaxaca
- Dulce Amanecer
- Gordon’s Café & Catering
- Peter B’s
- Jacks Monterey
- James Dean Restaurant
- La Cantina Brewing Company
- La Casa del Sazón
- La Plaza Bakery
- Steinbeck House Restaurant
- Luigi’s (represented by R Truck)
- Salinas Valley Health
Your restaurant can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurant!
Register your restaurant today!
