MARLTON — Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner Jose Garces has launched a new short video series highlighting the nutritional benefits and preparation possibilities of four “superfoods.” Co-produced by Virtua Health, the largest healthcare system in southern New Jersey, the small kitchen clips can be found on Chef Garces’ social media channels, including YouTube and Instagram, starting October 24.

“Many people want to eat healthy foods, but they need guidance on what to choose and how to prepare it,” Garces said. “Through these videos, we provide easy recipes that bring out the flavor of some of my favorite ingredients, like avocados and sweet potatoes.”

In each video, Garces is joined by Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, Dr. PH, director of the Food Medicine Institute at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Dr. Mozaffarian describes the nutritional properties of each food profiled.

Both Garces and Mozaffarian are members of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. The federal advisory committee aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity for all people, regardless of background or ability.

Beyond the council, Garces’ commitment to education and opportunity is also demonstrated. In 2011, he co-founded the Garces Foundation, which provides programs that support immigrant communities in Greater Philadelphia. Highlights include workforce training, health fairs and private English lessons for restaurant workers.

Like the Garces Foundation, Virtua Health is a leader in helping people embrace health and wellness. The nonprofit healthcare system is widely known for its community-based outreach programs designed to reduce health disparities. A notable example is the Virtua Eat Well Mobile Market Story, where Garces visits to pick up ingredients for her superfood videos.

The 12-foot Mobile Market, which opened in 2020, offers fresh produce, proteins, canned goods, household goods and other essential goods at much lower prices than traditional supermarkets. Backed by a number of philanthropic supporters, this mobile shop makes weekly stops throughout Camden and Burlington counties, visiting neighborhoods lacking affordable, convenient options (sometimes referred to as “food deserts”).

“I learned that Virtua Health is much more than hospitals and practices,” Garces said. “Virtua works to address the root cause of health conditions, and this can often be access to food and exposure to nutrition education. Working together on these videos allows us to spread the word that when we eat better, we feel better.”

“I had the opportunity to get to know Chef Garces and see firsthand how dedicated he is to advancing wellness communities,” said Dennis Pullin, FACHE, President and CEO of Virtua, who interviewed the chef on his podcast. For Good,” last year. “When the opportunity arises to help others, you can count on Jose to do his part.”

Virtua Health will present Chief Garces with the Distinguished Service Award at its annual fundraising gala on November 2 in Atlantic City, NJ.

About Chef Jose Garces

Chef Jose Garces, Iron Chef, father, husband, James Beard Award winner, entrepreneur and food innovator, is known as the leading culinary authority on Spanish and Latin American food.

From Spanish tapas at his first restaurant, Amada, to award-winning burgers and whiskey flights at Village Whiskey, Chef Garces constantly pushes the boundaries of culinary excellence.

While Chef Garces continues his successful career of owning and operating full-service restaurants, he also looks to the future with an increased focus on bringing restaurant-quality experiences to the homes and workplaces of culinary enthusiasts in new and interesting ways. From advanced home delivery options and virtual online cooking demos to live online cooking classes, Chef Garces is excited to connect with both fans of his work on television and home cooks who want to experience the “chef life” in their own homes. own kitchen.

As the child of immigrants and a leader in the diverse and inclusive hospitality industry, the well-being of his community in Philadelphia has always been at Chef Garces’ heart. Chef Garces co-founded the Garces Foundation in 2011 to help provide ongoing and actionable assistance to the immigrant community. The Garces Foundation offers services including community health days, English language skills classes targeted at the restaurant industry, and a recent increase in the number of people in the community. Focus on sourcing and providing food to food insecure people.

Chef Garces is the author of two cookbooks, Latin Evolution and The Latin Road Home, published by Lake Isle Press. In 2023, he was appointed to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.

About Virtua Health

Virtua Health, based in Marlton, NJ, is an academic health system dedicated to helping the people of South Jersey heal, recover and stay healthy by providing a full range of advanced, accessible and reliable healthcare services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a portfolio of community-based care. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 41 ambulatory surgery centers and more than 400 other locations, Virtua brings healthcare directly to communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings and a paramedic program.

Courtesy of Virtua Health