The Joy Bus

10/08/2026

What if a doctor’s prescription wasn't for a pharmacy, but for a customized meal or fresh produce? 🥗✨

For people navigating chronic illness or cancer treatment, healthy eating can quickly become an overwhelming challenge. That’s where the "Food Is Medicine" movement comes in—offering medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions to support patients when they need it most.

In this article by Natasha Burrell, discover how local programs like The Joy Bus are making a real difference, building community and working toward sustainable funding through health care policy.

👉 Read the full story on Doing Well: https://doingwellnews.substack.com/p/what-happens-when-dinner-is-prescribed

10/07/2026

Shop for a cause with Veronica Beard ✨👠

Mark your calendars! On Friday, Oct. 23, from 4-6 p.m., Veronica Beard is partnering with The Joy Bus for a special shopping event that gives back. During the event, 15% of all sales will be donated directly to The Joy Bus, helping provide support and services to cancer patients in our community. 

Refresh your wardrobe, support a meaningful cause and make an impact with every purchase. Because looking fabulous and giving back is a win-win. 💛

Oct. 23
4-6 p.m.
Veronica Beard Scottsdale
15147 N Scottsdale Rd #150
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

10/05/2026

The official Show Low Film Festival schedule is here! Meals That Matter will have two screenings during this year’s festival. We are so excited to bring this story to the pines.🌲

Festival dates: Oct. 16-18
Screening times: Friday 10/16 - 12:30pm to 2pm (Theater 5)
Saturday 10/17 2:30pm to 4pm (Theater 3)
Sunday 10/18 3pm to 4:30pm (Theater 1)

Tickets and details: https://www.showlowfilmfestival.com/tickets
Promo: PASS10 — Receive $10 off regular festival passes!

Come experience Meals That Matter with us on the big screen!

10/01/2026

A delicious meal can make a difference. 🍂

This October, enjoy chef Kenny Woods’ featured Butternut Squash Carbonara at Doughbird on Seventh Street and support The Joy Bus. From Oct. 1-31, proceeds from this special dish will help fund The Joy Bus’ mission to deliver chef-inspired meals and compassionate support to our passengers throughout the Valley.

Gather your friends, savor the flavors of fall and help us turn every plate into purpose. ❤️
Oct. 1-31
5600 N. Seventh St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85014

09/29/2026

We love supporting our TJB family! 💛

OG TJB board member Tracy Dempsey is bringing people together in the kitchen with her upcoming cooking classes at Tracy Dempsey Originals.

If you’re looking to learn something new, enjoy some great food and have a little fun in the kitchen, be sure to check out her upcoming classes!

Learn more and find a class: https://www.tracydempseyoriginals.com/cooking-classes.html

2026 COOKING CLASSESCANCELLATION POLICYWe understand that life happens and you may find yourself needing to cancel your reservation. If you must cancel a class, with a week or more notice, we can give you credit to take another class or refund the amount (if a refund is desired and a credit card was...

09/25/2026

Join us for a special Cookbook Club this Sunday!

Love cooking, great food and meaningful conversation? Come gather with fellow food lovers as we explore Meals That Matter and celebrate the mission of The Joy Bus.

Guests will enjoy a potluck-style meal featuring recipes from the book, hear from Jennifer Caraway about The Joy Bus and Meals That Matter and take part in a lively discussion about the dishes everyone prepared. We can't wait to see you there! 💜

Sunday, Sept. 27
4 to 6 p.m.
Shea Cheese Lounge
10880 N. 32nd St., Unit 21, Phoenix, AZ 85028

Pick up a cookbook at the diner if you still need one!

Join us for the Cookbook Club for September. We will be cooking from The Joy Bus Cookbook by Jennifer Caraway.

09/23/2026

We are thankful to Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation for their generous grant of $5,000, which will fuel our bus and move our mission forward. With this grant, we’re able to provide 330 meals for our passengers. Together, let’s plant the seeds of a healthier future and community. 🌱 Sprouts Farmers Market

09/21/2026

This Meals That Matter Monday we're spotlighting something truly special—Salmon Saffron Bowls created by our incredible University of Arizona RDN interns! 🍚💛

These beautiful bowls are packed with omega-3 rich salmon to support heart health, reduce inflammation and nourish our passengers from the inside out. And the saffron? This golden spice is more than just stunning. It's been shown to support mood, reduce oxidative stress and offer powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Delicious, nourishing and made with love by the next generation of nutrition professionals. 🐟✨

09/19/2026

We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude. 💛

Our documentary, Meals That Matter, has received a Rocky Mountain Emmys nomination and we couldn’t be more honored. What started as a story close to our hearts has taken us on an incredible journey, from film festivals and premieres and now an Emmy nomination.

This project has meant so much to us and sharing its message with audiences everywhere has been one of the greatest privileges of this year. We’re forever grateful to Stjepan Alaupovic for making this happen. Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards for this recognition and for helping amplify our mission.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, believed in, and shared this journey with us. We can’t wait to see where it leads next.