Service projects and ticket proceeds to support North Carolina non-profits committed to improving food security

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) announced the return of Thrive NC, scheduled for May 7 – 8 at City Market in downtown Raleigh. In its first two years, the event has attracted thousands of community members to come together to celebrate North Carolina’s rich food culture while addressing one of the states’ most pressing health issues of food security.

Despite North Carolina’s deep agricultural roots, the state continues to be ranked as one of the hungriest states in the nation. According to Feeding America, more than 1.5 million North Carolinians struggle with hunger on a daily basis.

Thrive NC strives to drive awareness and initiate change to improve food security, assisting organizations around the state through financial contributions, service projects, and partnership throughout the event. For the third year in a row, event proceeds will be donated to area non-profits that are working to address the issues in our communities that impact food security.

“In its third year, Thrive NC will continue to help tackle one of the biggest challenges facing our state and help create a healthier North Carolina,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, vice president of marketing and community engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We look forward to continuing to work with our community partners dedicated to improving food security and making a meaningful difference in North Carolina.”

“Thrive NC has become an event that the Triangle community looks forward to each year,” said Ashley Christensen, 2019 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s ‘Outstanding Chef’ award. “Many chef activists, myself included, see the event as an opportunity to continue moving the needle forward in our quest to make good, healthy food available to all North Carolinians.”

THRIVE NC 2020 SCHEDULE

• THRIVE NC SUMMIT | THURSDAY, MAY 7

The Thrive NC Summit will unite non-profit, corporate, government and education stakeholders in meaningful dialogue regarding how we can address hunger in North Carolina. The event aims to spotlight creative approaches that impact food security to improve overall health outcomes, while also allowing opportunities for thought leaders in the food system to foster deeper connections.

• THRIVE NC SERVICE PROJECT | FRIDAY, MAY 8

The Thrive NC Service project will bring members of the community together through a hands-on activity, in partnership with a local non-profit organization, to improve access to food for their neighbors in need. Specific details on the non-profit partner and activity will be announced on a later date.

• THRIVE NC FESTIVAL | THURSDAY, MAY 7 – FRIDAY, MAY 8

Open to the public, the Thrive NC Festival will feature more than 65 of the area’s best restaurants serving food and drink samples. Live entertainment, including chef demonstrations and music, will also highlight both nights. Festival tickets are $30 and will go on sale Thursday, February 27. The festival has sold out each year.

Last year, proceeds from Thrive NC went to local non-profits, including: the Conetoe Family Life Center, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, NC Future Farmers of America, the Alliance Medical Ministry, Band Together and Meals on Wheels Wake County. For more information, including future restaurant and entertainment announcements, visit gothrivenc.com.