​PLANT POWERED JUMPSTARTS

Launching virtually in March 2023!

Get On the Path to Great Health

We’re marking our 4th anniversary this March with the return of our community-wide health empowerment program! The 21-Day Plant Powered Jumpstart is your chance to experience how whole plant foods can transform health — and how achievable and delicious a plant-based lifestyle can be. 
Orientation Session:
Thursday, March 2
7:00 - 9:00 PM ET
Educational Sessions:
Sunday afternoon sessions
from March 5 - April 2
Group Mentorship Meetings:
Thursday afternoons or evenings
March 9 - 30
​Take a deep dive into the connection between food and chronic disease, and get the support to take a bold step toward lifelong health. Lower cholesterol, weight loss, lower blood pressure, better sleep, and more energy are just a few of the benefits our jumpstarters experience time and time again!​
The jumpstart includes:​​
  • Educational sessions covering the essentials of evidence-based nutrition, grocery shopping, mindset, and more!
  • Support with setting and achieving goals for healthy eating.
  • Medical intake from clinicians knowledgeable in food-as-medicine (only for those on medication)​​.
  • Weekly group mentorship meetings for affinity groups, like those with specific chronic diseases or similar life stages.
  • Farmers’ market tours, for local participants.
  • 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 resources.
  • A chance to win prizes to support your healthy lifestyle!
This jumpstart program is expected to be part of a study conducted by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University’s School of Public Health; at this time, the project is awaiting approval by the University’s Institutional Review Board. Participation in the study is voluntary, and those who take part will respond to questionnaires administered by SUNY Downstate researchers. Participants are asked to submit information on their overall health condition and any recent lab results before the program kickoff and again once the program has ended.​
​Program Eligibility:
Participants should: 
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Commit to following the program's dietary guidelines for at least 21 days, to the best of your ability.
  • Commit to participating in all jumpstart sessions and mentorship meetings, to the best of your ability.
  • Be comfortable using Zoom conferencing and have a stable internet connection.​
  • Sign all program waivers and research consent forms, if you are participating in the study.

​Fees: 
Fees directly support our program costs. Choose the rate that best fits your budget:
  • General rate: $99​​​
  • Sponsor rate (supports participation for you and one other): $199​
​¿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, read more about community partnership or corporate sponsorship, and contact PPMNY Network Director Lianna Levine Reisner at lianna.levine.reisner@ppmny.org.
Presented by
In Partnership With
Sponsored by

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
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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.
Jumpstart kickoff program
November 2018 jumpstart in West Harlem
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February 2019 jumpstart at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
To learn more about jumpstarts, we invite you to watch Nelson Campbell's documentary Plant Pure Nation, or watch this short clip from the movie .

More Testimonials

PPMNY mentor with participantPPMNY 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."
Plant Powered Metro New York empowers people to find better health and overcome chronic disease through whole food, plant-based nutrition. We offer evidence-based education, resources, and support to catalyze awareness and dietary change throughout the New York metropolitan area. Plant Powered Metro New York, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (tax ID #83-4639916), incorporated in the state of New York, and an independent member organization of the PlantPure Communities Pod Network.