Local Chef Partners with University of Miami Food Prescription Program Helping Families Cook Healthier, Plant-Based Meals

MIAMI - EntSun -- A new initiative in Miami-Dade County is tackling food insecurity through a comprehensive approach that combines access to nutritious plant-based foods with hands-on nutrition education and how-to cooking demonstrations by local chef, Calvin Harris. Plant Power Prescription, the Plant-Based Food Prescription Program, led in partnership with the University of Miami, is designed to reduce food insecurity by improving access to healthy plant-based foods, enhancing nutrition literacy, and ultimately improving the overall health of families in need.

More than 10% of Miami-Dade County residents face food insecurity, a condition marked by limited or uncertain access to nutritious food, posing significant public health and social challenges.

Plant Power Prescription connects participating families to a year-long service which provides twice-weekly deliveries of food boxes, delivered and donated by Mr Greens Produce, a premium produce distributor. Each box contains three days' worth of meals for the household- two meals a day, six days a week- along with recipes and educational materials to encourage healthier eating habits.

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The plant-based recipes are developed collaboratively by a team of nutritionists from EatWell Exchange, a partnering non-profit organization that seeks to provide culturally relevant nutrition education, and Chef Calvin Harris, a classically trained Miami-based chef and founder of Spiced Up Seasonings.

Participants also take part in a seven-week nutrition education course, held once a week and offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole to ensure accessibility across Miami's diverse communities. Adults and high school students participate in interactive classes combining a 45-minute seminar with a hands-on cooking or learning activity, while children are guided through age-appropriate interactive sessions that reinforce healthy habits in fun, engaging ways. Chef Harris leads several educational sessions in the program, demonstrating how to prepare flavorful, nutritious meals that can be easily recreated at home.

"I share my passion for healthy eating and cooking because good food has the power to change lives- one bite, one story, one recipe at a time." said Chef Harris.

Looking ahead, the program aims to establish a sustainable, annual plant-based food prescription model and increase community access to affordable, whole plant foods beyond the initial year of participation.

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"Our goal is to create a sustainable, evidence-based model that helps families make lasting dietary changes," said Azaria Lewis, DO, MS, one of the project leaders from the University of Miami. "By addressing both access and education, we're not only helping families eat better today but empowering them to maintain a healthier lifestyle for years to come."

Support the Program

Community support plays a vital role in helping the Plant Power Prescription program expand its impact. If you are interested in donating to help scale this initiative, please contact:

Dr. Azaria Lewis
axl4415@miami.edu

About Chef Calvin Harris / Spiced Up Seasonings

Chef Calvin Harris is a classically trained Miami-based chef and the founder of Spiced Up Seasonings, a handcrafted seasoning brand inspired by globally influenced flavors and vibrant culinary traditions. Dedicated to making healthy cooking approachable and flavorful, Chef Harris combines chef-crafted expertise with real-world accessibility, creating tools and recipes that empower families to enjoy nutritious meals at home.
www.spicedupseasonings.com