RALEIGH, N.C. (January 2019) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) announced the return of Thrive NC, scheduled for May 9 -10 at City Market in downtown Raleigh. The inaugural event attracted thousands of members of the community to celebrate North Carolina’s culinary roots, while also initiating critical conversations about food insecurity in our state. 
 
Even though the culinary scene in the Tar Heel state is booming, North Carolina is the 9th hungriest state in the nation according to the USDA’s 2017 report on Household Food Security. In 2018, event proceeds were donated to area non-profits that aligned with the mission of Thrive NC and Blue Cross NC – to address food insecurity and promote healthy living. We’re pleased to announce that all ticket proceeds will be donated to area non-profits focused on improving food insecurity again in 2019. 
 
New for 2019, is the Thrive NC Service Series which will increase the impact of Thrive NC through deeper education and meaningful service projects to address food insecurity in the Triangle and across North Carolina. Each event in the Service Series will engage community members in a service project with a local, food-focused non-profit organization. 
 
“We know that so many people want to make an impact on their community, and Thrive NC is a great opportunity to do just that.” said Dr. Patrick Conway, President and CEO of Blue Cross NC. “From service projects this spring through the festival in May, we will give people the chance to move their passion into action right alongside Blue Cross NC to lessen food insecurity across the state.”
 
THRIVE NC SCHEDULE
· THRIVE NC SUMMIT | THURSDAY, MAY 9
This forum will allow food insecurity experts from across the state to discuss how our communities can impact hunger in North Carolina, as well as provide a platform to celebrate the work that is currently being done in our state to address the issue.
 
· THRIVE NC SERVICE | FRIDAY, MAY 10
The special community service effort, will bring members of the community together in partnership with a local non-profit organization through a hands-on project to impact those in need. Leading up to May 10, the Thrive NC Service Series will feature community service events around the Triangle in March and April. Specific dates and community partners will be announced on a later date. 
 
· THRIVE NC FESTIVAL | THURSDAY, MAY 9 – FRIDAY, MAY 10
Open to the public, the festival will feature more than 60 of the area’s best restaurants serving food and drink samples. Live entertainment, including chef demonstrations and music, will also highlight the night. Festival tickets are $30 and will go on sale Thursday, February 28.
 
For more information, including future restaurant and entertainment announcements, visit GoThriveNC.com.  
 
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina 
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.89 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. We have been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute every year since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross online at bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.