Gathering to share ideas, make new connections, rekindle old connections, and keep our mission moving forward is an essential pillar of Groundwork. We convene experts in culinary medicine to propel a new food culture, motivate clean energy leaders to move ahead on a net zero carbon economy, host extremely fun friend-raisers, and more. Join in!
Spring Fling // 2–5pm, May 17, 2025, Short's Pull Barn Tap Room, Elk Rapids
Kindred peeps, music by A.S. Lutes, a free beer, and a May day. Head on over!
Celebrate the season of renewal and growth with some springtime fun! This is a free event, but we are asking for RSVPs, and when you do RSVP, you can enjoy a FREE beverage on Groundwork (nonalcoholic options available). Click the link, save it on your calendar, and plan to join us May 17. RSVP here!
Radiating Health and Happiness the Blue Zone Way // 6pm, May 14, 2025, Commongrounds Co-op, 414 E. Eighth St., Suite 204, Traverse City. $25 suggested donation. Proceeds go to support Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. (As of April 25 fewer than 10 spots left, reserve yours soon. Email Diana Churella at dchurella@gmail.com.) Come and explore our Blue Zone community and discover the power of connection—one of the essential ingredients for health and longevity. We'll begin with a gentle 20-minute yoga session, followed by an insightful talk on mental health. The evening will conclude with a delicious spread of fresh, organic Blue Zone–inspired dishes—lovingly prepared to nourish body and soul.
End of the Line // 6–8pm, June 4, 2025, The Alluvion, Traverse City and streamed online
Please join Groundwork and our statewide coalition partners for an in-person and live-streamed event on June 4th, 2025. Together, we’ll hear from key experts—like international tunnel expert Brian O’Mara—about the latest on Line 5, and you will learn ways to take action at this critical moment. Register in-person or online (free).
Culinary Medicine Lecture Series: Sauté, Stirfry, Simmer, and Braise Vegetable Techniques for Cardiovascular-Friendly Meals // 6–8pm, June 18, 2025, Esperance Community Teaching Kitchen, Traverse City
Designed for physicians, residents, other medical professionals, and chefs in health care & community food programs. CME credits available. Enhance ability to have meaningful patient interactions concerning food selection, diets and nutrition, and explore the emerging science of the connection between nutrition, physical, and behavioral health and Medical Nutrition Therapy. A focus on cooking techniques and plant-forward recipes. Download class description.
REGISTER: Professionals // Students and residents
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Blue Zone–inspired cooking classes!
Class One: The Joys of eating local and plant-focused meals. Inspired by Blue Zone pillar “Plant Slant” // 5:30–8:30pm, January 22Session Description: Join Groundwork, Planted Cuisine, Dr. Tina Metropoulos, and Mi Farm Coop as we learn about the health and...
Spring Fling 2024! Join in!
It's time for the second annual Groundwork Spring Fling community gathering at Short’s Pull Barn Tap Room in Elk Rapids! Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2-5 PM. Let's celebrate the new season with a few good beverages, a few good friends, and live...
What’s on Tap for Our September Culinary Medicine Trainings
Since 2014, Groundwork has been hosting gatherings—roughly one every 18 months—to explore and promote the idea of deploying culinary medicine as a way to address some of the most challenging diet-related diseases facing our people as individuals and facing our nation...