Food as Medicine - Revolutionary Corporate Wellness Program
- Chef Dawn
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read

How Our “Food as Medicine” Initiative Is Transforming Lives on a corporate level.
I’m thrilled to share something BIG — I was invited onto the PLANTSTRONG Podcast with Rip Esselstyn to talk about one of the projects closest to my heart: the Food as Medicine workplace wellness initiative we’ve been running at Central Garden & Pet.
This episode is packed with powerful stories, surprising results, and a behind-the-scenes look at how our team is helping thousands of employees reclaim their energy, improve their health, and feel supported every step of the way. If you care about plant-based nutrition, employee well-being, or how real food changes lives… you’re going to love this one.
👉 Watch / Listen Now: YouTube: https://youtu.be/QR2OeuvJgp0
PLANTSTRONG Podcast: Available on all platforms
Why This Episode Matters
Rip sat down with me and two incredible program graduates — Vicky and Dan — to talk openly about:
How the program started after a full year of research, listening sessions, and understanding what employees truly needed
Why our approach works — no pressure, no deprivation, no “go vegan” mandate
How real food and real support spark real change
What it looks like when a company truly invests in the health of its people
This isn’t your typical wellness program. It’s not a “check-the-box” initiative, and it’s certainly not a quick fix. It’s a culture shift rooted in connection, education, empowerment, and ridiculously delicious food.
The Results Speak for Themselves
When people feel supported, informed, and encouraged, transformation follows. Here’s what we’re seeing:
67% of employees complete all 12 weeks
72% of participants with weight to lose see measurable results
Average weight loss: 4.4% in just 12 weeks
Average LDL drop: 24%
Boosted energy, improved mood, and a noticeable culture shift around food
The best part? These results were achieved without medications, without restriction, and without pressure — just real food and real-life tools.

Meet Vicky & Dan — Two Remarkable Graduates
In the episode, you’ll hear Vicky and Dan share:
What motivated them to sign up
The fears and hesitations they carried going in
The surprising shifts they experienced
How adding more plants to their plates changed their health, mindset, and daily life
Their stories are honest, relatable, and incredibly inspiring. I learned so much from walking with them through their journeys — and I think you will too.
Inside the Program: What We Actually Do
Rip and I also break down the nuts and bolts of the program, including:
Smart device integration
At-home blood testing
Weekly video lessons
Cooking demos (you know I love these!)
Gentle AI support
A thriving, supportive alumni community
It’s structured, but flexible. Evidence-based, but approachable. And it’s helping people feel better faster than they ever expected.
If You’re in HR, Corporate Wellness, or Leadership…
You Need to Hear This Episode
We’re laying out a clear blueprint for what’s possible when a company chooses to prioritize nutrition and whole-person well-being.
This is the future of workplace wellness — and I’m so excited to be part of it.
Watch the Episode: https://youtu.be/QR2OeuvJgp0
Learn About Corporate Wellness With PLANTSTRONG by Metabite: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness-solution/

Join the Movement
If this episode inspires you, please listen, share, and tag your favorite takeaways. Plant-powered wellness grows through community — and every share helps spread the ripple effect.




