Events

Healthy Holiday Prep: Inspiration, Potluck, and Mixer

Get ready for the holiday season with Plant Powered Metro New York and Apollo 360 Health! This festive gathering will inspire you with practical ideas for bringing nourishing, plant-powered dishes to your holiday table that keep the spirit of celebration alive without sacrificing well-being. PPMNY’s Chef Brandy Cochrane will offer simple strategies as well as seasonal mocktails and small bites that complement our potluck meal. Bring a whole food, plant-based dish* to share. Together, we’ll celebrate community, flavor, and the power of plants to keep us thriving through the holidays and beyond — whatever and however you celebrate!

*Looking for guidance on how to prepare a healthy plant-based dish for this event? Check out PPMNY’s website for guidelines and recipes. Questions? Contact Vivian Lee, PPMNY Culinary Empowerment Coordinator, at vivian.lee@ppmny.org.

Attend for free when you bring a dish, or contribute $10 to come without. Make an additional donation with our $20 supporter ticket.

Dinner Social in Somerville

Join Plant Powered Metro New York for an evening of flavorful plant-based food and warm company at Turf Surf & Earth in Somerville, NJ. Known for its fresh, fast-casual dishes and customizable menu, Turf Surf & Earth makes it easy to enjoy a meal just the way you like it.

We’ll have a table reserved — simply order at the counter or one of the kiosks, then relax and enjoy great food and conversation with our community.

$5 holds your spot. Our guests will order off the menu and are responsible for all purchases made. All reservations are requested by 12:00 PM on Monday, November 3. After this time, limited space may be available.

Hosted by Karina Pearse, PPMNY Virtual Engagement Manager

Cooking with Chef Carole

Virtual

Presented in Partnership with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Explore the delicious world of plant-based baking and cooking without added oils, salt, or sugar. Chef Carole Levy, PPMNY Culinary Educator, will walk us through some of her favorite recipes, made with easy-to-access ingredients.

Event access is by donation or free to anyone unable to contribute. Please choose the option that fits you best and join us!

$5 minimum suggested donation.

This livestream event will be aired on PPMNY’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Please note that Facebook Live and YouTube streams are available to viewers with or without Facebook or YouTube accounts.

Take Charge of Diabetes with Plant-Powered Nutrition

In Partnership with EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care

Food is a powerful tool to control and even reverse type 2 diabetes. In this interactive class, join Plant Powered Metro New York to clear up common myths about diabetes and reveal how eating a plant-rich diet can improve blood sugar, reduce the need for medications, and boost overall well-being. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing diabetes for years, or supporting a loved one, you’ll walk away with practical tips to put the power of plants to work for you.

Plant Powered Potluck in Stamford

Share in great company and enjoy a wholesome, home-hosted potluck meal with Plant Powered Metro New York, hosted by Rob Klein, PPMNY Lifestyle Mentor.

For the potluck, please choose a plant-based recipe with whole plant foods — whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Please, no animal-based foods, vegan processed foods, white flours, or added oils, and we ask you to minimize added sweeteners and salt.

(If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry! Contact us at info@ppmny.org to discuss simple dish ideas or check out recipes on our website.)

It’s a good rule of thumb to double a recipe you would make at home! Please bring a serving utensil for your dish.

Bronx Diabetes Breakthrough – East

Presented in partnership with Montefiore Einstein

Have you been told you’re pre-diabetic? Are you living with type 2 diabetes or worried you might be heading that way? You’re not alone, and there’s real hope.

Research shows that type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes can often be prevented, treated, and even reversed with whole food, plant-based nutrition. Even people with type 1 diabetes can achieve better control and greater quality-of-life. You can start seeing results in weeks, not years, without counting carbs.

Join Us for the Bronx Diabetes Breakthrough!

A FREE, one-day community event presented during American Diabetes Month, filled with practical tools, expert guidance, and delicious plant-based meals that will empower you to take charge of your blood sugars — and your lifelong health.

You’ll experience:
・Inspiring talks with leading nutrition experts
・Hands-on learning for food shopping & label reading
・A live cooking demo with tastings
・Real-life stories of health transformation
・Prizes, giveaways, and local wellness vendors
・Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks included

Event Schedule:
・9:00 AM: Light breakfast & vendor fair
・9:30 AM: Prevent & Reverse Diabetes with Food
・11:15 AM: What Is Plant-Based Nutrition – And How Do I Do It?
・12:15 PM: Lunch & vendor fair resumes
・1:00 PM: Shopping & Cooking for Health (Live demo!)
・2:45 PM: Getting in the Mindset for Change
・3:30 PM: Closing reflections & vendor fair
・4:00 PM: Farewell

Facilitators include:
・Mirnova Ceide, MD, Montefiore
・Hugo Ortega, MD, Montefiore
・Marty Davey, Registered Dietitian
・Karla Salinari, Health Coach & Certified Diabetes Educator
・Brandy Cochrane, Culinary Educator
・Lianna Levine Reisner, Network Director, PPMNY

Whole food, plant-based meals and snacks are generously sponsored by Montefiore Einstein.

Let’s lead the breakthrough for healthier futures in the Bronx and beyond!

Se anima a los hispanohablantes a asistir. Habrá servicios de interpretación y sesiones paralelas en español. / Spanish speakers are encouraged to attend. Interpretation services and breakout sessions will be held in Spanish.

Please register by Monday, November 10.

Event sponsors are in formation — local businesses are invited to contact us for sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

Dinner Social in Parkchester

Join your neighbors in the Bronx for a healthy Bangla-style dinner! Following on the heels of our Bronx Diabetes Breakthrough the previous day at Montefiore Einstein, community members are invited to dine together at Parkchester’s Neerob Restaurant. We’ll enjoy a healthy meal made of whole plant foods to support diabetes recovery and overall well-being. All are welcome!

$18 pre-payment online, or $20 at the door (limited walk-ins available).

Hosted by Rogier van Vlissingen, PPMNY Ambassador

Bronx Diabetes Breakthrough – West

Presented in partnership with RSS: Center for Ageless Living and Ciel on the Hudson (formally Five Star Premier Residences)

Have you been told you’re pre-diabetic? Are you living with type 2 diabetes or worried you might be heading that way? You’re not alone, and there’s real hope.

Research shows that type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes can often be prevented, treated, and even reversed with whole food, plant-based nutrition. Even people with type 1 diabetes can achieve better control and greater quality-of-life. You can start seeing results in weeks, not years, without counting carbs.

Join us for the Bronx Diabetes Breakthrough!

A one-day community event filled with practical tools, expert guidance, and delicious plant-based meals that will empower you to take charge of your blood sugars—and your lifelong health.

You’ll experience:
・Inspiring talks with leading nutrition experts
・Hands-on learning for food shopping & label reading
・A live cooking demo with tastings
・Real-life stories of health transformation
・Prizes, giveaways, and local wellness vendors
・Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks included

Event Schedule:
・9:30 AM: Light breakfast & vendor fair
・10:00 AM: Prevent & Reverse Diabetes with Food
・11:30 AM: What Is Plant-Based Nutrition – And How Do I Do It?
・12:30 PM: Lunch & vendor fair resumes
・1:15 PM: Shopping & Cooking for Health (Live demo!)
・3:00 PM: Getting in the Mindset for Change
・3:30 PM: Closing reflections & vendor fair
・4:00 PM: Farewell

Facilitators include:
・Marty Davey, Registered Dietitian
・Karla Salinari, Health Coach & Certified Diabetes Educator
・Brandy Cochrane, Culinary Educator
・Lianna Levine Reisner, Network Director, PPMNY

Whole food, plant-based meals and snacks are generously sponsored by our host, Five Star Premier Residences.

Tickets:
・$10 Access for Five Star residents
・$20 General admission
・$50 Admission with donation

Please register by Monday, November 12.

Let’s lead the breakthrough for healthier futures in the Bronx and beyond!

Event Accessibility:
・Español: Se anima a los hispanohablantes a asistir. Habrá servicios de interpretación y sesiones paralelas en español. / Spanish speakers are encouraged to attend. Interpretation services and breakout sessions will be held in Spanish.
・Kosher Meals: Kosher-certified plant-based meals will be provided to those who request them during registration.
・Venue: Five Star is a mobility-accessible venue.

Event sponsors are in formation — local businesses are invited to contact us for sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

Meal Prep Made Easy: Simple Kitchen Skills to Overcome Diabetes

In Partnership with EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care

Cooking at home is easier than you think — and it’s one of the best ways to support your health. In this beginner-friendly session with Plant Powered Metro New York, we’ll break down the basics of preparing simple, affordable meals that nourish your body and help treat and even reverse diabetes. You’ll learn essential skills like cooking whole grains, knife safety, and boosting flavor without extra salt or oil. Plus, you’ll enjoy a live food demo and tasting, so you can see firsthand how simple and delicious plant-powered meal prep can be.

Plant Powered Potluck in Astoria

Share in great company and enjoy a wholesome potluck meal with Plant Powered Metro New York when we gather at The Lifestyle Building in Astoria, hosted by Enrica Sacca, PPMNY co-founder and lead organizer.

For the potluck, please choose a plant-based recipe with whole plant foods — whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Please, no animal-based foods, vegan processed foods, white flours, or added oils, and we ask you to minimize added sweeteners and salt.

(If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry! Contact Enrica at enrica.sacca@ppmny.org to discuss simple dish ideas or check out our recipes at: ppmny.org/recipes/)

It’s a good rule of thumb to double a recipe you would make at home! Please bring a serving utensil for your dish.

Farm-to-Table Dinner Social in Hell’s Kitchen

Join Plant Powered Metro New York for a pre-fixe meal of elevated flavors of the fall harvest at The Marshal, a farm-to-table restaurant in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, known for its authentic wood fired cooking. The Marshal is a new participant in our Plant Powered Plates initiative which brings more whole food, plant-based meals to you through partnership with local eateries.

A three-course, whole food, plant-based menu will be specially curated for our party:

Appetizer (Choose 1)
• Autumn Squash Soup
• Farmer’s Market Salad

Entree (Choose 1):
• Vegetable Wood Fired Pizza
• Wood Fired Market Plate over Quinoa

Dessert
Apple Cobbler

$67 fixed price per person includes meal and gratuity.

Please note that The Marshal will provide dishes free of animal products and added sugar, but they may contain some salt and oil. Gluten-free options will be available.

All reservations are requested by 12:00 PM on Friday, November 21. After this time, limited space may be available, and we will no longer honor refund requests.

Hosted by Rebecca Johnson, PPMNY Culinary Partnerships Manager

Shop for Health at Your Neighborhood Farmers Market

In Partnership with EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care

Join Plant Powered Metro New York for a friendly, hands-on shopping experience that makes healthy eating easy and enjoyable. You’ll learn how to pick, store, and prepare seasonal fruits and vegetables, read food labels with confidence, and discover budget-friendly, plant-powered options for diverse cultures and family stages. We’ll also point out delicious ways to improve your blood sugar. Come with questions, leave with inspiration — and maybe even a few groceries!

We’ll start with a brief 15-minute lesson at the Neighborhood Care site before walking together to the local supermarket for 50 minutes of guided exploration. Please bring your shopping bags if you plan to purchase groceries after the tour ends!

Plantathon 2025: Day 1

Virtual

For nearly seven years, Plant Powered Metro New York has led a regional movement for health — empowering our diverse residents and neighbors to achieve the health we deserve through plant-based nutrition.

We’re hosting our fourth annual Plantathon celebration, raising essential funds to achieve our mission of community health transformation.

On Day 1, join us to meet:

Chef AJ — live demo!

Suzannah Bozzone, MD, Lifestyle Telemedicine, interviewed by our Heart to Healthy Heart team on how added sugar impacts cardiovascular health.

When you register or make a general donation by December 7, you’ll be entered to win great prizes to support your healthy lifestyle! Winners will be chosen and announced the week of Plantathon.

Plantathon 2025: Day 2

Virtual

For nearly seven years, Plant Powered Metro New York has led a regional movement for health — empowering our diverse residents and neighbors to achieve the health we deserve through plant-based nutrition.

We’re hosting our fourth annual Plantathon celebration, raising essential funds to achieve our mission of community health transformation.

On Day 2, join us to meet:

Tim Kaufman, FatMan Rants: From Struggle to Strength: Tim’s Journey to Health

Additional guest to be announced soon!

When you register or make a general donation by December 7, you’ll be entered to win great prizes to support your healthy lifestyle! Winners will be chosen and announced the week of Plantathon.

Plantathon 2025: Day 3 (Día 3)

Virtual

Durante casi siete años, Plant Powered Metro New York ha liderado un movimiento regional por la salud, empoderando a nuestros diversos residentes y vecinos para que alcancen la salud que merecen a través de una alimentación basada en plantas.

Estamos celebrando nuestra cuarta edición anual de Plantathon, con el objetivo de recaudar fondos esenciales para lograr nuestra misión de transformación de la salud comunitaria.

El tercer día, acompáñanos para conocer a:

Dra. Marcela Sandoval, María Isabel Ariza y Stephanie Cornejal – ¡Demostración en vivo!

Al registrarte o hacer una donación general antes del 7 de diciembre, participarás en el sorteo de fantásticos premios que te ayudarán a llevar un estilo de vida saludable. Los ganadores se elegirán y anunciarán la semana de Plantathon.

Plantathon 2025: Day 4

Virtual

For nearly seven years, Plant Powered Metro New York has led a regional movement for health — empowering our diverse residents and neighbors to achieve the health we deserve through plant-based nutrition.

We’re hosting our fourth annual Plantathon celebration, raising essential funds to achieve our mission of community health transformation.

On Day 4, join us to meet:

Additional guest to be announced soon!

When you register or make a general donation by December 7, you’ll be entered to win great prizes to support your healthy lifestyle! Winners will be chosen and announced the week of Plantathon.

Dinner Social in Port Jefferson

Join Plant Powered Metro New York for a communal meal at Curry Club at Sāghar’s, a vibrant Indian restaurant in Port Jefferson, NY, known for its authentic and colorful dishes.

Over dinner, Natalie Zolotareva, RN, PPMNY Educator, will share insights on nutrition and healthy aging.

Our whole food, plant-based dishes will be served family-style including: lentil soup, quinoa salad, papadam, roti, brown rice, and 2-3 main dishes (TBA).

Meal includes a beverage (seltzer, tea, or coffee) and fruit for dessert.

$48 fixed price includes meal and gratuity. Please note that Curry Club at Sāghar’s will provide dishes free of animal products and added sugar, but may contain some salt and oil. All dishes will be gluten-free except for the roti.

All reservations are requested by 12:00 PM on Monday, December 1. After this time, limited space may be available, and we will no longer honor refund requests.

Hosted by Denise and Rich Bassin, PPMNY Volunteers

Plantathon 2025: Day 5

Virtual

For nearly seven years, Plant Powered Metro New York has led a regional movement for health — empowering our diverse residents and neighbors to achieve the health we deserve through plant-based nutrition.

We’re hosting our fourth annual Plantathon celebration, raising essential funds to achieve our mission of community health transformation.

On Day 5, it’s Plantathon throwback night! Watch one of our favorite replays from a previous livestream, plus new lifestyle content featuring members of our volunteer network and advisory board.

When you register or make a general donation by December 7, you’ll be entered to win great prizes to support your healthy lifestyle! Winners will be chosen and announced the week of Plantathon.

Plantathon 2025: Day 6

Virtual

For nearly seven years, Plant Powered Metro New York has led a regional movement for health — empowering our diverse residents and neighbors to achieve the health we deserve through plant-based nutrition.

We’re hosting our fourth annual Plantathon celebration, raising essential funds to achieve our mission of community health transformation.

On Day 6, it’s Plantathon throwback night! Watch one of our favorite replays from a previous livestream, plus new lifestyle content featuring members of our volunteer network and advisory board.

When you register or make a general donation by December 7, you’ll be entered to win great prizes to support your healthy lifestyle! Winners will be chosen and announced the week of Plantathon.

Cooking with Chef Carole Levy: Plantathon Edition!

Virtual

Presented in Partnership with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Explore the delicious world of plant-based baking and cooking without added oils, salt, or sugar. Chef Carole Levy, PPMNY Culinary Educator, will walk us through some of her favorite recipes, made with easy-to-access ingredients.

Event access is by donation or free to anyone unable to contribute. Please choose the option that fits you best and join us!

$5 minimum suggested donation.

This livestream event will be aired on PPMNY’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Please note that Facebook Live and YouTube streams are available to viewers with or without Facebook or YouTube accounts.

Plantathon 2025: Day 8

Virtual

For nearly seven years, Plant Powered Metro New York has led a regional movement for health — empowering our diverse residents and neighbors to achieve the health we deserve through plant-based nutrition.

We’re hosting our fourth annual Plantathon celebration, raising essential funds to achieve our mission of community health transformation.

On Day 8, join us to meet:

Keisha Bowman, MPH, & David Bowman, MD, Lifestyle Med Revolution: Health, Faith, and Connection

Will Bulsiewicz, MD, The Gut Health MD: Top Nutrition Tips for Gut Health

When you register or make a general donation by December 7, you’ll be entered to win great prizes to support your healthy lifestyle! Winners will be chosen and announced the week of Plantathon.

Dinner Social in Montclair

Join Plant Powered Metro New York for a wholesome meal at Mesob, a popular restaurant in Montclair, NJ, known for traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

Our whole food, plant-based meal features a Vegetarian sample platter with six sides served with injera. Beverages are available for purchase if desired.

The fixed price of $43 includes your meal, tax, and gratuity. The sample platter is plant-based and gluten-free. Dishes may contain some salt and oil. No added sugar is used.

Hosted by Steve Barbag, PPMNY Ambassador

Plant Powered Potluck in Astoria

Share in great company and enjoy a wholesome, home-hosted potluck meal with Plant Powered Metro New York, hosted by Enrica Sacca, PPMNY co-founder and lead organizer.

For the potluck, please choose a plant-based recipe with whole plant foods — whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Please, no animal-based foods, vegan processed foods, white flours, or added oils, and we ask you to minimize added sweeteners and salt.

(If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry! Contact Enrica at enrica.sacca@ppmny.org to discuss simple dish ideas or check out our recipes at: ppmny.org/recipes/)

It’s a good rule of thumb to double a recipe you would make at home! Please bring a serving utensil for your dish.

Plant Powered Potluck in Astoria

Share in great company and enjoy a wholesome potluck meal with Plant Powered Metro New York when we gather at The Lifestyle Building in Astoria, hosted by Enrica Sacca, PPMNY co-founder and lead organizer.

For the potluck, please choose a plant-based recipe with whole plant foods — whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Please, no animal-based foods, vegan processed foods, white flours, or added oils, and we ask you to minimize added sweeteners and salt.

(If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry! Contact Enrica at enrica.sacca@ppmny.org to discuss simple dish ideas or check out our recipes at: ppmny.org/recipes/)

It’s a good rule of thumb to double a recipe you would make at home! Please bring a serving utensil for your dish.