Our next community-wide virtual jumpstart will take place in fall 2023. Join our mailing list to receive updates about our upcoming learning events and jumpstarts!
The 21-day Jumpstart includes:
Engaging educational sessions covering the basics of evidence-based nutrition, grocery shopping, mindset, and more!
Support with setting and achieving goals for healthy eating
Medical intake from a team of clinicians knowledgeable in food-as-medicine
Weekly group mentorship meetings for affinity groups, like those with specific health concerns or similar life stages
Culinary demonstrations to build your recipe repertoire and meal prep skills
A virtual community for peer-to-peer support
A jumpstart app with easy access to resources, including a shopping list and meal planning guides
Farmers' market tours for local participants
A chance to win prizes to support your whole food, plant-based lifestyle!
¿Están interesado en un Reto a base de plantas para la comunidad hispanohablante?¡Escribe tu nombre en la lista de espera para ser el primero en enterarte del próximo Reto!
Be a Champion of Community Health If your company or organization is interested in sponsoring your community's or employees' participation, or in providing scholarships, please contact PPMNY Network Director Lianna Levine Reisner at lianna.levine.reisner@ppmny.org.
Hear From Our Recent Jumpstart Graduates
In May 2022, over 50 people challenged themselves to make a difference in their health using food-as-medicine. Participants learned how to make the shift from a diet based on plants as side dishes, to one where nutrient-rich plant foods take center stage. Our graduates put what they learned into practice and saw results after only 3 weeks. Here's what two of them had to say:
“I have already lost 13 pounds and many of my aches and pains are starting to diminish. I feel more energy and more than anything, I feel so positive and hopeful. I’m surprised that I'm actually eating more than before but of the right foods, of course. I’m preparing delicious meals which have taught me that this is a manageable way to cook. So shocking for me was the fact that I no longer have cravings which I thought would never disappear. I feel full and satisfied ALL DAY! More than anything, I have felt so empowered and in control with something that truly works, is so healthy and good for me, and is doable. I have shed happy tears with my husband. I’m feeling so thankful for all of you and this terrific, patient, kind group that offered their valuable time and knowledge with all of us. My heart is filled with gratitude.”
— Maribel R., Jumpstart Graduate, Spring 2022
“I just got back from the doctor. I am back online for work on Monday after taking time off to heal. They took me off two medications and cut down another dosage in half! They said that I am in better health than before the stroke. The setback was my comeback!!!”
— Bernice D., Jumpstart Graduate, Spring 2022
Thank you to our partners, sponsors, and our talented team of volunteers and staff who make these jumpstarts possible!
About Plant Powered Jumpstarts
Whole food, plant-based nutrition is changing people's health across the country. Plant Powered Metro New York can show you how achievable it is to make dietary change, and how quickly the body responds to whole plant foods, through our intensive Plant Powered Jumpstart experience.
Lasting anywhere from 10 days to a full month, the Plant Powered Jumpstart is designed to support a cohort of people in making a complete dietary transition. We provide nutrition education, mentorship, meal preparation demonstrations, and sometimes even meals or pantry bags. Where possible, before-and-after biometric measurements are taken to show improvements to weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and more.
November 2018 jumpstart in West Harlem
February 2019 jumpstart at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
PPMNY mentor Enrica Sacca with a JCC jumpstart participant, February 2019
"I cannot say enough about how well the Jumpstart program was run and how supported I felt to transition to a WFPB diet. Not only was it a lot easier than I expected, but I found a lot of joy and so much delicious flavor in the recipes I tried. In just three weeks, I lost twelve pounds and have physically felt better than I have in a very long time, especially as I've struggled with debilitating long COVID symptoms for over a year and a half."
"I really enjoyed your program because it provided all the tools to make a transition to a healthier lifestyle. The great support, education, wonderful cooking classes all made a big difference. It really works. I had lab work done after the program and saw an improvement in my lipid profile. Even though they had previously been within the normal range, there was a drop of 10 points. I also lost 5 lbs and am happy to say that I am still following a plant-based lifestyle."
"Just after I completed the 21-Day Plant-Powered Jumpstart, I had a major surgery scheduled. I felt great going into it -- a lot of mental clarity. And I wasn't so scared to have the surgery because I knew I was taking care of my body. My recovery time was really quick. Within two weeks I was ready to get active again. My surgeon was amazed and said she wishes that everyone would eat this way to promote their healing."
"Thank you for bringing this wonderful program to the JCC. I was thrilled to be a Jumpstart participant. I have begun to learn a new language, new food groups, kitchen skills, and delicious recipes, and I got to meet and know new friends. I am impressed by the superb organization and clear, concise flow of information regarding the introduction of this program -- from the handouts to the kitchen demonstrations which started and ended on time! Everyone is so inspiring and supportive, and there is such a joyful camaraderie. I couldn’t be more delighted and grateful, so thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"I think the program was a great success. We felt supported throughout and appreciated our mentors, the webinars, the cooking classes, and all the recipes. I intend to continue with this lifestyle, so I am grateful for your thoughtful and comprehensive jumpstart."
"I thought undertaking the whole food, plant-based lifestyle would be difficult. Instead, I was able to make the transition easily, with no cravings or frustration. I never felt hungry during the 21-day Jumpstart program, nor have I since then. I am content to cook meals and renounce the frequent snacks I used to have."
"Initial labs done last week by my primary physician were really good. It is amazing to see such great progress in such a short period of time."
"The support, education, friendliness provided by the team made the transition easier. Thank you very much."