News & Features
Welcome to our media page. Below you’ll find articles, podcast interviews, award highlights, and video features that tell the story of Eight16 Culinary Therapy- our mission, impact and journey.
On August 9, 2025, Mercedes Tiggs, Founder & CEO of Eight16 Culinary Therapy, received a San Diego County Proclamation officially declaring August 16, 2025 as “Eight16 Culinary Therapy Day.”
This proclamation, presented in partnership with the Blue Heart Foundation, recognizes Eight16 Culinary Therapy’s innovative work at the intersection of mental health, community healing, and the therapeutic power of food.
It is a historic honor that highlights our commitment to fostering resilience, mindfulness, and well-being across San Diego County.
Eight16 Culinary Therapy Day
Featured Stories
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Nourishing the Mind with Culinary Therapy
San Diego Magazine
With Eight16 Culinary Therapy, social worker Mercedes Tiggs teaches youth in the foster system mindfulness through food…
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Building a Mindful Community Through the Therapeutic Power of Food
USC Suzane Dworak Peck School of Social Work
During the COVID-19 pandemic… Tiggs fused her passion for mental health with her passion for cooking…
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With a dollop of passion for cooking and mental health, she uses culinary therapy to help others
San Diego Union-Tribune
Her love of cooking started when…
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Meet Mercedes Tiggs
CanvasRevel Magazine
I embarked on starting my private therapy practice…This endeavor was born out of a deep passion for cooking and mental health…
Additional Features & Interviews
The Thrive-By Podcast
Chapter VI: Eight16
ACMA: Food For Life
Food for Life Ep.105 Youth Health & Wellness Through Culinary Arts
Watch from 13:09 to see the interview with Mercedes Tiggs.