Blue Zones are regions around the world where people live longer, healthier lives, with residents reaching age 100 at rates exceeding global averages. These communities share lifestyle elements that promote longevity: regular physical activity, plant-centered diets, strong social connections, a clear sense of purpose, and effective stress management.
By implementing a Blue Zones initiative, cities like Riverside can transform their environments to make healthy choices more accessible—through thoughtful policy changes, improved infrastructure for walking and biking, better access to nutritious foods, and stronger social networks. Rather than focusing solely on individual behavior, the Blue Zones approach fosters sustainable, communitywide transformation that nurtures well-being at every level. This model, seen in Loma Linda, California—one of the world’s few recognized Blue Zones—offers a blueprint for generational impact.
Former Ward 1 Councilmember Erin Edwards continues her commitment to public service in a new leadership role as head of the Blue Zones Project Riverside. This five-year public-private partnership aims to help Riverside become a Certified Blue Zones Community.
The project officially kicks off May 17 with a free, family-friendly festival from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riverside Municipal Airport.
In 2022, a coalition of sponsors—including IEHP, IEHP Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, Riverside University Health System – Public Health, County of Riverside, Eisenhower Health, and the city of Riverside—began seeking a model to improve community health. The Blue Zones Project, with its focus on people, policy, and places, inspired broad collaboration among stakeholders and elected officials across Riverside County.
The Riverside City Blue Zones Project officially launched in July 2024. Since then, the team has worked relentlessly to improve community well-being.
“The purpose of our Blue Zones Project is to support everyone, everywhere in Riverside to live better, longer,” Edwards said. “But it’s not just about living a long life. It’s about having more good years.”
More than 75 communities across North America have implemented the Blue Zones model, with many reporting reduced obesity and tobacco use, as well as significant healthcare cost savings.
Edwards believes the project will also spark economic development and increase city pride.
“As a councilmember, I saw such a need for community connection—getting people out in the city, meeting their neighbors, and supporting local businesses,” she said. “This cultivates a sense of pride and belonging, which is an often-overlooked element of health and well-being.”
At the heart of the project is human connection—encouraged through individual pledges, volunteerism, purpose workshops, and Moais. Moais are support groups of 10 or fewer people who meet for 10 weeks to adopt healthy habits, such as incorporating more vegetables into meals, gardening, or walking regularly. The goal is to connect with 15% of the city’s population to build a stronger sense of community.
Over the next five years, Blue Zones Project Riverside will focus on four policy areas: the built environment, food systems, alcohol, and tobacco. Built environment plans include improved bike infrastructure and safer outdoor spaces. Food system efforts will center on the Northside Agricultural Center Phases II and III, boosting local food production and access in underserved areas. Alcohol policy will prioritize strengthening social host ordinances to curb underage drinking. Tobacco strategies include expanding smoke-free zones and increasing access to cessation resources.
The initiative will also engage everyday environments—such as schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and workplaces—encouraging healthier choices. The goal is to convert hundreds of local establishments into approved Blue Zones locations.
The first to earn that designation is Riverside Airport Café, which added plant-based items to its menu to promote healthy options. Free samples of the new dishes will be available during the kickoff festival.
Join Edwards, the Blue Zones team, and Riverside elected officials at the Blue Zones Kickoff Festival on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverside Airport, 6951 Flight Road. A community “walk-in” will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the intersection of Gemende Drive and the Harvest parking lot, led by the John W. North High School Blue Star Regiment Drumline, with appearances by Dan Buettner Jr. and Girls on the Run.
The first 500 participants will receive a limited-edition Blue Zones water bottle and complimentary tickets for food samples from local vendors.
To RSVP, visit eventbrite.com.
