What is Wellness Peace University?
Wellness Peace University (WPU) is a 9-week, plant-forward group wellness program. Each week is one short lesson, one shared plant-forward meal, and one small step. It's designed to be hosted by churches, dietitians, cooking schools, pharmacies, clinics, workplaces, and community groups. WPU is a wellness program, not a degree-granting school, and isn't affiliated with Pace University or Peace University.
Do I have to give up meat entirely?
No. WPU is plant-forward, not plant-exclusive. The point is to eat more plants, dial back the rest, and feel the difference. Most people land somewhere they're proud of. More plants. Fewer processed foods. Less meat. We don't draw a hard line for anyone.
Is this a religious program?
No, though it's faith-friendly. Churches can run a version that draws on scripture (the garden in Genesis 1:29; Daniel and his friends asking for vegetables in Daniel 1). The core program, used by clinics, kitchens, pharmacies, and community groups, is about food, movement, rest, and community, with no religious content.
What does it cost?
Right now, nothing. We're building this with the founding cohort. Long term, church-hosted classes will stay free or donation-based, online cohorts will be pay-what-you-can, and coordinator kits will be free for partner churches and community groups.
How is this different from a diet?
WPU is a 9-week behavior-change program, not a 30-day plan. It teaches a way of eating, cooking, shopping, moving, and gathering that you can keep doing on week 52 and week 520. The community is the engine. That's what makes the change stick.
Who can host a WPU cohort?
Anyone with a room and a group: churches, registered dietitians, cooking schools and teaching kitchens, pharmacies, hospitals, food banks, employers, health coaches, and community centers. A volunteer coordinator can lead it with the kit; no nutrition credentials are needed.
Is WPU medical advice?
No. WPU is an educational wellness program. Talk with your doctor before changing your diet, activity, or medications, especially if you take medicine for blood sugar or blood pressure, since your doses may need adjusting as your numbers change.
Is this finished?
Honestly, no. That's the point. We're in pre-launch, building this with the people who want it to exist. If you'd like to be a founding member, partner, or cook, get in touch and help us shape what this becomes.
Still wondering about something? Write to [email protected].