The Joy Bus

06/01/2026

This Meals That Matter Monday, we have a HUGE announcement! 🎉💛

In 2026 we set an ambitious goal to go bigger than our record-breaking 27,208 meals delivered in 2025—and we are proud to announce that we've officially done it!

Thank you to every donor, diner and supporter who made this possible. Food is medicine, but so is community support and you all have proven that in a big way.

Let's keep going and blow these numbers out of the water! 💪

05/29/2026

We’re so honored that Jennifer’s cookbook, Meals That Matter, has been nominated for a Gourmand World Cookbook Award! Thank you to World Cookbook Fair - Gourmand International - Gourmand Awards and Figure 1 Publishing making this incredible recognition a reality.💛

Get your cookbook today: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Bus-Cookbook-Meals-Matter/dp/177327269

Five of our recent cookbook titles have landed on the 32nd Gourmand International World Cookbook Awards Spring Champions list:

• Restaurant Chefs category: Perch: Soil • Land • Sea by Justin Champagne-Lagarde

• Team category: Gather, Savor, Share: Beloved Staff Meals from the Aiāna Kitchen by Raghav Chaudhary

• Indian category: My New Indian Kitchen by Vikram Vij with Jennifer Muttoo

• Food Health category: In Good Health: Uncomplicated, Allergen-Aware Recipes for a Nourished Life by Rachel Riggs

• Food Security and North American Fundraising categories: The Joy Bus Cookbook: Meals That Matter by Jennifer Caraway

The Spring Champions will move into the Shortlist round that will be announced in the fall. Congrats to all the nominees!

05/28/2026

Today is World Hunger Day. 🌍 As we work toward a world that is better fed, let’s not forget those who are also hungry for relief, peace and connection.

Our friends facing cancer need nourishment every single day. We are doing our best to feed and spread joy to those who need it most. If you would like to support our mission, please consider donating at the link below. Every bit helps us deliver more than just a meal. 🚌✨

Donate Here:

Support our cause by donating to The Joy Bus Chef's Table.

05/25/2026

Look at all those medically-tailored meals! 💛

In 2025, The Joy Bus delivered 27,208 meals to 493 people—and we want to go even bigger in 2026!

Every meal is thoughtfully prepared to support our passengers' health and healing. Want to help us reach even more people? Sign up for recurring monthly giving with The Chef's Table and invest in The Joy Bus mission.

Together, we can nourish our community! Link to join below. ⤵️

05/25/2026

Hanging around the Valley this summer? I know we are. Join us for a hands-on cooking class! The June, July and August classes are posted to the website. Link in bio. Classes fill up quickly and space is limited, so snag your spot soon!

05/22/2026

Have you watched Meals That Matter yet? 🎬✨

If you haven’t watched yet, the documentary is now live and shares the powerful story behind The Joy Bus, the people it serves and the mission that continues to impact lives across Arizona.

From meals to meaningful human connection, this film captures what compassion in action really looks like.

Let us know what you think in the comments.

Watch it here: https://www.joybus.org/meals-that-matter

05/21/2026

If you maintain a Donor-Advised Fund, The Joy Bus offers a meaningful opportunity to invest in community health and dignity.

✅ HOW IT WORKS | Click through your DAF portal (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable or your preferred sponsor) to direct a grant to The Joy Bus

✅ WHAT IT SUPPORTS | Organic, chef-prepared medically-tailored meals and caring human connection for neighbors battling cancer across the Valley

✅ WHAT YOU NEED | Provide your custodian with our Tax ID: 46-3188719

That's it! Strategic giving meets urgent need.

Explore our mission at www.joybus.org or reach out to [email protected] for more information.

05/20/2026

We are bursting with joy! 🥂 A huge thank you to Stroll Paradise Valley for the beautiful two-page spread highlighting our upcoming The Joy Bus Gala.

Mark your calendars for Oct. 30 at the Arizona Biltmore for an unforgettable evening of dining, storytelling and impact.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are coming soon.

For early inquiries, please contact Heidi Hamor at [email protected]. 💛

05/18/2026

Chiles are delicious, but did you know they can be healthy too? 🌶

In our Oaxacan Mole recipe from The Joy Bus Cookbook, guajillo and ancho chiles are the stars of the show—and they're packed with nutrients!

Dried Guajillo Chiles contain:
- Vitamin A - Supports eye health and immune function
- Capsaicin - Anti-inflammatory and metabolic support
- Iron - Essential for energy production

Dried Ancho Chiles contain:
- Vitamin A - Supports eye health and immune function
- Vitamin B6 - Supports brain health, energy metabolism and immune function
- Potassium - Helps the heart, kidneys and other organs

Flavor AND nutrition? That's a meal that matters!

📸 by Joanie Simon

05/15/2026

What an honor to host The University of Arizona Master of Dietetics interns in The Joy Bus kitchen! 💛

These future nutrition professionals are completing their food service management hours with us and we couldn't be more excited to share our approach to medically-tailored meals and Food is Medicine.

We love having you on our team! 🙌