Monterey County has made history as the first county in California to earn a Certified Blue Zones Community® designation, following a seven-year regional initiative aimed at improving health and well-being across local communities.
Blue Zones announced the certification on August 5, 2025, recognizing the countywide success of the Blue Zones Project, which includes King City, Gonzales, and the Peninsula cities of Monterey, Marina, and Seaside. The City of Salinas, also part of the initiative, earned its individual certification in 2024.
Launched in 2019 and supported by Salinas Valley Health, Taylor Farms, and Montage Health, the Blue Zones Project has focused on reshaping environments to make healthy living easier for all residents. Through changes in policy, public spaces, and community engagement, the project aims to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Impressive Results Across the County
Since its launch, Monterey County has seen measurable improvements in community health:
- Well-being scores increased by 3.7 points.
- Thriving residents rose from 58.6% to 66%.
- Physical activity increased, with 68.1% of residents now reporting regular exercise.
- Cholesterol levels dropped, with 42% fewer residents reporting high cholesterol.
- $392 million in avoided medical and productivity costs were realized over six years.
- $133.3 million in health-related grant funding was secured.
“We’re proud to have been part of something that helps improve not just personal health, but the overall well-being of our communities,” said Dr. Mike McDermott, President and CEO of Montage Health.
What Blue Zones Success Looks Like
Over 41,000 residents participated in Blue Zones Project programs including walking groups, plant-based cooking demos, and purpose workshops. Highlights of the countywide transformation include:
- Schools: 64 campuses across 14 districts implemented health-focused changes such as school gardens, wellness ambassador programs, and walking school buses.
- Workplaces: 70 worksites (14,000+ employees) introduced quiet spaces, employee gardens, and well-being committees.
- Restaurants: 62 local eateries became Blue Zones Project Approved™, now offering 315 healthier menu items countywide.
- Grocery Stores: 14 stores introduced Blue Zones checkout lanes and healthy food promotions, with several offering Double Up Food Bucks for CalFresh customers.
- Community Policies: Nearly 200 new community policies have been enacted, including Complete Streets plans and initiatives around healthy food access and tobacco reduction.
“When local organizations, businesses, and residents come together around well-being, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all,” said Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms.
A Model for the Nation
As a majority-minority county, Monterey’s Blue Zones certification is being viewed as a powerful and culturally grounded model for other communities across the U.S.
“Monterey County’s achievement as the first countywide certified Blue Zones Community in California is a testament to what’s possible when an entire region commits to well-being,” said Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones.
What’s Next?
Blue Zones Project Monterey County is entering a new phase. Going forward, Salinas Valley Health and Montage Health will integrate Blue Zones programs into their ongoing community health initiatives, ensuring continued impact and sustainability.
Community members are invited to celebrate this major milestone during Blue Zones Celebration Week, taking place across Monterey County from September 8–16. A full schedule of events is available at montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com/events.
Learn more about the Blue Zones Project in Monterey County:
🌐 montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com
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