NC food festival celebrates healthy eating in Raleigh

A two-day festival coming to downtown this spring will entertain local foodies while discussing with the community food issues like unhealthy diets, hunger and obesity.

Posted 3:09 p.m. Jan 19, 2018 — Updated 7:19 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. — A two-day festival coming to downtown this spring will entertain local foodies while discussing with the community food issues like hunger and obesity.

Hosted by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Thrive NC will feature activities May 10-11 that explore the state’s culinary talent along with food challenges.

What are food system challenges? Despite North Carolina’s history as an agricultural state and its booming restaurant industry, nearly 1.5 million people in the state struggle to buy affordable and fresh foods, according to Blue Cross NC.

A variety of cuisines was on offer at the winter food truck rodeo Jan. 25, 2015, at Durham's Central Park.

"We want improve the health and well-being of our customers and communities. Simply stated, we want to see our state thrive,” said Dr. Patrick Conway, President and CEO of Blue Cross NC. “Our vision is to mobilize top restaurants, award-winning chefs, and community-minded thought leaders to work together toward solutions for the food challenges our state faces.”

The two-day agenda includes event like:

Thrive NC Summit (May 10): Experts on food systems will discuss how our communities can impact some of North Carolina’s most pressing issues, including childhood obesity, access to fresh and healthy food and ongoing food insecurity.
Food Festival (May 10-11): Top chefs from approximately 50 North Carolina restaurants serving food and drink samples and live music.
Community Service (May 11): Focusing on access to fresh and healthy food.

Tickets for the food festival start at $30.

Suggest A Correction