Food and Beverage
Operation Good Food & Beverages Addresses Growing Health Crisis Through Launch of Youth-led Movement Counteracting Unhealthy Food Marketing
Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Campaign is working with Black youth and influencers to promote healthier food options and calling on the National Restaurant Association to promote menu changes
BALTIMORE /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Council on Black Health, a research and action network dedicated to improving Black health nationwide, launched a new, national campaign, Operation Good Food & Beverages (OGF&B), to engage Black youth in a movement to promote healthier food and beverage options and counteract widespread unhealthy food marketing. OGF&B is an initiative by and for Black youth who recognize the history of unhealthy food marketing and speak out on the need for healthy foods and beverages to be more available and promoted in Black communities.
The effort is in partnership with HeartSmiles, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut, and with support from the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Evoke, a global brand, experience, and communications platform.
OGF&B addresses a growing and urgent health crisis in the Black community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black communities experience a heavy burden of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This is fueled in part by higher-than-average exposure of Black youth to the marketing of fast foods, sugary drinks, and other unhealthy products. Analyses from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health found that in 2019, Black youth viewed, on average, nearly three fast-food ads per day – 75 percent more than their White counterparts.
“Patterns of racially targeted marketing of unhealthy food and beverages have not improved to any significant degree despite decades of public health criticism and calls for companies to change them,” said Shiriki Kumanyika, PhD, MPH, a research professor at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health and a lead researcher for OGF&B. “We believe a positive approach that expresses Black community views about the benefits of healthy foods and connects good foods to Black culture can spark change.”
Healthy eating has long played an influential role in Black communities. During the Civil Rights Movement, plant-based diets were central to many Black activists who saw the diet as a pathway to Black health and liberation. Today, for reasons from achieving health goals to connecting with African heritage, Black youth are among those spearheading the plant-based movement, with 50 percent of vegans identifying as Black or Latino.
OGF&B highlights the positive impact marketing of healthy foods and beverages can have on Black community health and well-being through the eyes of Black youth, who have contributed directly to the project through development of the website and social media channels, including content and videos. The campaign’s new website features community-inspired and nutritionist-approved recipes that can be used as part of a seven-day healthy food challenge, and it is working with Black influencers on TikTok and Instagram to help amplify the message. The campaign is also calling on the National Restaurant Association, via a petition on Change.org, to encourage its 380,000 member restaurants to apply existing Kids LiveWell nutrition standards to menu items that are popular with Black youth up to age 18 instead of the current age 12 and commit to promoting these healthier options. Through these efforts, OGF&B aims to amplify Black youth voices. and tackle an ongoing problem.
“Black youth will be the voice of this movement, but we all have a role to play,” said Kumanyika. “We hope that parents, advocates, advertisers, restaurants, food and beverage companies, celebrities and policymakers will all step up and join us to say now is the time to promote better food and beverage options in our communities. Our youth deserve it.”
ABOUT OPERATION GOOD FOOD & BEVERAGES
Operation Good Food & Beverages was developed with youth leadership from HeartSmilesMD, an enrichment and leadership development program serving youth in Baltimore’s most underserved communities, and is a project launched by the Council on Black Health, a research and action network dedicated to improving Black health nationwide. Support is provided by the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. Learn more at operationgoodfb.com and follow the campaign on TikTok and Instagram.
ABOUT THE BLOOMBERG AMERICAN HEALTH INITIATIVE
Through education, research, and practice, the Bloomberg American Health Initiative aims to impact five challenges to the nation’s health: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, and violence. One part of the Initiative, the Bloomberg Fellows Program, offers full scholarships for MPH and DrPH degrees for individuals working on the front lines to advance health in the U.S. The Initiative was founded with a gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies in honor of the centennial of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Learn more at americanhealth.jhu.edu.
ABOUT EVOKE
Evoke provided several pro bono services for the OGF&B campaign including creative, strategic, and social media direction along with media buying. Evoke is a leading global brand, experience, and communications platform, purpose-built to make health more human™. Organized by global practice areas and specialty agencies, Evoke uses data-driven insights, creativity, and applied innovation to solve the most complex of challenges in today’s healthcare market. Evoke is a platform for clients, talent, and the communities they serve to unlock their full potential. For more information, visit Evokegroup.com.
SOURCE Operation Good Food & Beverages
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage
You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy
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Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) For a soup that smells as divine as it tastes, warm up your home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy Asparagus Soup. Pair with chicken salad croissants for a simple weeknight meal without the hassle then visit Culinary.net to discover more spring soup solutions.
Creamy Asparagus Soup
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 2 asparagus bundles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3 cups broth of choice, divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- chicken salad croissants, for serving
- Chop asparagus into bite-size pieces. In large pot, place asparagus, butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 cup broth. Cook over medium heat until asparagus gets tender.
- Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth. Transfer back to pot and, over medium heat, mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. Add celery salt and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring, blending seasonings in well, then add heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with chicken salad croissants.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
Food and Beverage
NYC to Host 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference on June 10
New York City will host the 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference on June 10, 2026 at Manhatta, featuring global volcanic regions, masterclasses, a Grand Tasting, and the Volcanic Wine Awards with JancisRobinson.com.
New York City is about to get a crash course in “wines with a sense of place.” Volcanic Wines International (VWI) announced the 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference (IVWC), set for June 10, 2026 at Manhatta in Manhattan. The one-day event brings together producers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, and educators for tastings and masterclasses focused on wines grown in volcanic soils—an increasingly talked-about category known for its tension, mineral-driven structure, and unmistakable origin.
Why volcanic wines are having a moment
Volcanic vineyards sit on some of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes—think steep slopes, black sand, and lava-strewn terrain. But the conference isn’t just about scenery. The IVWC is built around a simple idea: volcanic terroir can shape wine in distinctive ways, influencing everything from texture and acidity to aromatics and perceived “energy” in the glass.
As VWI co-founder John Szabo, MS put it, volcanic wines often stand out for their “energy, structure, and clear sense of origin,” making them a natural fit for wine lists that prioritize discovery.
A global tasting tour—without leaving Manhattan
Hosted in what VWI calls the largest and most influential wine market in the U.S., the conference offers a rare side-by-side look at volcanic regions from around the world. Participating producers are expected from territories including:
- Etna (Sicily)
- Santorini (Greece)
- Canary Islands (Spain)
- Hungary
- Pantelleria (Italy)
- Lake County (California)
Masterclasses, seminars, and a Grand Tasting
The June 10 program is designed for wine professionals who want to go deeper than a quick sip. Attendees can expect guided tastings and educational sessions exploring how different volcanic soils—and the climates that surround them—can influence grape varieties and wine styles.
Seminars are slated to spotlight volcanic wines from:
- Soave (Italy)
- Etna
- Hungary
- Canary Islands
- Lazio (Italy)
The day also includes a Grand Tasting, where exhibiting wineries will pour for a curated audience of sommeliers, buyers, importers, educators, and media.
A new “Volcanic Origin” certification will be announced in the U.S.
One of the headline moments: the conference will host the official U.S. announcement of a new Volcanic Origin certification, created by the Vinora association of Auvergne, France. The certification is designed to help recognize authentic expressions from volcanic regions worldwide—an important step as interest grows and consumers look for clearer signals of provenance.
Volcanic Wine Awards + JancisRobinson.com partnership
VWI also highlighted a major media partnership with JancisRobinson.com for the Volcanic Wine Awards, an international competition celebrating standout wines from volcanic regions.
Award-winning wines will be featured on JancisRobinson.com and showcased in a dedicated space during the NYC conference.
“Volcanic regions produce some of the most characterful wines in the world,” said Tara Q Thomas, Managing Editor at JancisRobinson.com, adding that the partnership aims to bring greater attention to these terroirs.
The big picture: story-driven wine in a crowded market
Beyond the technical details, the conference is tapping into something the wine world is actively chasing: narrative and identity.
“Today more than ever, the wine world needs compelling stories that reconnect wine lovers with place and identity,” said Gino Colangelo, President of Colangelo & Partners and partner in VWI. Volcanic wines, he noted, offer “dramatic landscapes, ancient soils, and wines with unmistakable character.”
How to attend or exhibit
For information about exhibiting or attending, VWI directs inquiries to Bianca Panichi at bpanichi@colangelopr.com. Updates are also available at www.volcanicwinesinternational.com, with social channels on Instagram (@volcanicwines_intl) and Facebook (Volcanic Wines International).
What to watch for (STM Daily News)
- Whether the new Volcanic Origin certification becomes a widely adopted benchmark
- Which regions and producers dominate the Volcanic Wine Awards spotlight
- How volcanic wines continue to move from “sommelier obsession” to broader consumer demand
Hungry for what’s next? STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section dishes up the latest in restaurant news, beverage trends, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and food culture stories readers love to share.
Recipe of the Week
Creative Cupcakes to Complete Your Easter Feast
The Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes bring joy to post-Easter gatherings with a moist cake, creamy frosting, and delightful chocolate candies. The recipe, requiring a 30-minute prep and 15-minute cook time, offers a treat for chocolate lovers. For more dessert ideas, visit Culinary.net.
Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Once the Easter baskets are put away and the main course is cleared from the kitchen, you can liven up the dessert table or send guests off with a thoughtful treat thanks to these Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes. Moist cake, creamy frosting and chocolate-coated candies combine for a seasonal sweet that’s sure to impress.
To find more dessert ideas that satisfy chocolate lovers – and all your loved ones – visit Culinary.net.
Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from A Classic Twist
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened and cubed
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2-3 drops brown food coloring
- egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies
- To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In bowl of electric mixer, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- In medium bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, water, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients on low speed 1 minute. Add wet ingredients. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Mix 1 minute on medium speed.
- Divide evenly among cupcake liners.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.
- Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
- To make frosting: Using paddle attachment of electric mixer, whip butter 8 minutes on medium speed until pale and creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and salt; mix on low speed 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix 6 minutes until frosting is light, creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring and whip 1 minute.
- Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and top with egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
