On Wednesday, September 17, Veggies Made Great teamed up with supermodel and Real Housewives of New York alum Kelly Killoren Bensimon to host an intimate morning of wellness at Food52. The event offered a much-needed post-New York Fashion Week reset, blending mindfulness, nutrition, and community in a serene rooftop setting.
The morning began with a restorative breathwork and meditation session led by Chloe Kernaghan, setting a calming tone for the day. Guests included Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jenn Fessler, Veggies Made Great CEO Elliot Huss, Food52 CEO Erika Ayers Badan (formerly CEO of Barstool Sports), NYC socialite Georgia McDonald, designer Georgine Ratelband, MamaGlow founder Latham Thomas, and model Robert Escalera.
Veggies Made Great CEO Elliot Huss, supermodel and Real Housewives of New York OG star Kelly Killoren Bensimon, and Food52 CEO Erika Ayers Badan attend Veggies Made Great’s intimate morning wellness event at Food52 on Wednesday, September 17.
(Photos by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Veggies Made Great)
Following the meditation, attendees enjoyed a rooftop tasting experience curated by Veggies Made Great, showcasing their signature veggie-forward creations. The event culminated in a dynamic panel discussion on wellness, innovation, and the evolving meaning of healthy living. Kelly Killoren Bensimon shared a heartfelt story about her mother’s chocolate cake, noting that Veggies Made Great’s Double Chocolate Muffins evoke the same indulgent flavor without the guilt. She praised the muffins as a responsible yet satisfying treat, illustrating how wellness can be both nourishing and nostalgic.
Elliot Huss and Erika Ayers Badan added their perspectives on wellness, touching on the intersections of food, fitness, mindset, and business. Their insights highlighted the growing demand for products that support holistic health while fitting seamlessly into modern lifestyles.
Personally, I normally would shy away from such bites because in the past, the taste was just not up to par, often tasting very bland and flavorless. However, I was completely shocked to enjoy every dish. My standouts were the Frittatas! The spinach, egg white, and tomato basil were delicious, light and fluffy, and, more importantly, flavorful! The potato bakes are an easy, go-to snack. I could see myself enjoying them in the middle of the day or while on the go. I highly recommend these bites if you’re looking to switch up your eating habits like I am. After consumption, I felt completely energized and ready to conquer the day.
Founded with a mission to make vegetables the hero of every meal, Veggies Made Great has built a reputation for innovation and accessibility. The brand began as Garden Lites in 2009, focusing on veggie-rich frozen foods. In 2018, it rebranded to Veggies Made Great, reinforcing its commitment to creating delicious, vegetable-forward products that appeal to a wide audience. Today, the company is known for its muffins, frittatas, and other convenient options that sneak in vegetables without compromising on taste.
The Food52 wellness morning was a testament to Veggies Made Great’s core values: celebrating vegetables, promoting mindful living, and fostering community through food.
