In January 2023, sector committees—comprised of community members focused on each of the sector areas of schools, worksites, community policy, restaurants & grocery stores, faith-based organizations, and individual engagement—came together to create an implementation plan for achieving the strategies outlined in this Blueprint. These sector committees—led by committee co-chairs who together compose the leadership team—play an important role in improving community well-being by engaging organizations and individuals, advocating for policy change, and increasing community awareness and engagement.
We believe in being transparent with our community. This project is as much ours as it is yours. We are in this work together. Here are a few ways we demonstrate our commitment to transparency:
Schools have long been one of the most important factors in helping kids make good choices about eating well and staying healthy. And Blue Zones Project offers school leaders programs and policies that make it easier to teach students how they can lead longer, happier lives.
Restaurants play an enormous role in a community’s overall diet. So we help local eateries optimize their dining experiences (e.g., highlighting nutritious menu items and removing salt from tables) to encourage patrons to make healthier choices.
In long-living populations, pursuing faith activities has been found to be a key factor to greater longevity. Faith leaders can have great influence in a community, so we help spark new energy and excitement for focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of their members.
Nearly every type of organization can utilize Blue Zones Project principles to cultivate healthier and happier customers and members. And more vibrant, engaged patrons lead to a healthy business bottom line. It’s a win-win for everyone!
We work with grocery stores in our communities to help them make simple changes in their stores to nudge their customers into making healthier choices—like more healthy food options and a more health-conscious store layout.
Blue Zones Project partners with community employers to create healthier work environments. This, in turn, empowers employees to be happier, healthier, and more productive. The benefits to employers are many, including increased productivity and a potential savings in healthcare costs.