Tickets to Thrive NC presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) are now on sale to the public. The food festival takes place May 7-8 in downtown Raleigh’s historic City Market and is part of the Thrive NC series of community and culinary events.
Tickets are available for $30 at gothrivenc.com, and are expected to sell out. Attendees will once again enjoy a variety of samples and home-grown flavors from more than 65 local restaurants and breweries against the backdrop of live music.
Additionally, guests will experience live cooking demonstrations both nights, showcasing award-winning chefs from across North Carolina. As previously announced, reigning James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef Ashley Christensen will host the demo stage on May 7 and 8.
For the third year in a row, all ticket sale proceeds will be donated directly to North Carolina nonprofits that are committed to improving food security in our community. These organizations work tirelessly to improve access to healthy, affordable food in communities that need it most. The four nonprofits identified this year are:
TABLE provides hunger relief and nutrition education services to preschool, elementary, middle and high school children living in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and neighboring Orange County communities. Through its programs, TABLE brings together college students and community volunteers to provide children with healthy, fresh food and to teach them valuable nutrition skills that can help them lead healthier lives.
Farmer Foodshare, a non-profit organization based in Durham, reshapes the disconnected food system by removing barriers to growing and accessing local food. Operating through the lenses of food sovereignty, food distribution and food education, Farmer Foodshare creates markets for North Carolina family farmers to sell more of what they grow and enables communities across the state to access fresh, nutritious food.
Urban Ministries of Wake County (UMWC) is approaching its 40th year of service to our community. UMWC runs the county’s largest client-choice food pantry, the largest shelter for adult women experiencing homelessness, and the only charitable clinic with its own licensed, onsite pharmacy.
Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) connects with the community to end homelessness and fight poverty by offering food, shelter and a future to neighbors in need. Thanks to generous donors and some 4,000 volunteers, the program helps more than 6,000 individuals annually through its community shelter, community cafe, food pantry, and clothing closet. UMD collaborates extensively with public and private partners, including landlords and employers, to help clients achieve stability and success.
For more event information, including future restaurants, chefs and entertainment announcements, visit gothrivenc.com.
