St. Mark’s Becomes First Faith-Based Blue Zones Organization on Marco Island

On February 8, 2022, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will officially become the first faith-based Blue Zones registered organization on Marco Island, allowing them to promote well-being and healthy lifestyle choices for their parishioners.

At 5:00 PM, Reverend Jessica Harris Babcock will be cutting the ribbon alongside Wellness Council members and representatives from Blue Zones of Southwest Florida to celebrate this occasion. It is anticipated that Commissioner Rick LoCastro, Collier County District One, will also be in attendance.

St. Mark’s is hosting a private Blue Zones Cooking Demonstration and Dinner to follow at 6:00 PM, led by Chef Laura Owen of CJ’s on the Bay. CJ’s on the Bay was the first Blue Zones registered restaurant on Marco Island.

First coined by Dan Buettner, the term “blue zone” describes the environments and the lifestyles of the world’s longest living people. These blue zones are scattered throughout the world and contain communities exhibiting individuals with a much longer lifespan than any other areas. Blue Zones Project works with schools, work sites, restaurants, grocery stores, civic organizations and faith-based communities to make the healthy choice the easy choice. They also bring people together and create social connections, while also helping people find purpose.

For more information on Blue Zones visit www.bluezones.com.