Culinary Communicator: Jeanne Besser’s Life and Legacy

Basic Information

Biography & Education

Jeanne Besser writes about food and health. She grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. She earned a B.A. in English Literature at Brown University. After college, she trained in baking schools and worked in professional kitchens for over ten years. She learned recipe steps and food chemistry before she ever wrote a cookbook. Her first cookbook came out in 1997.

Family & Personal Relationships

Jeanne is married to Dr. Richard E. Besser. He was acting director of the CDC in 2009. He worked as ABC News’s medical editor for many years. He is now President & CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. They live in Atlanta, Georgia. They have two adult sons, Alex and Jack.

Career Journey & Achievements

Atlanta Journal‑Constitution (AJC)

• In 2001, she started the “5:30 Challenge” column.
• That column gave readers five-ingredient dinners they could cook in 30 minutes, every weekday.
• She also tested and styled recipes for other AJC stories, like their Kessler Years feature.

Cookbook Authorship

Jeanne has written and co‑written several cookbooks.

She won an IPPY award for her American Cancer Society cookbooks. On October 1, 2018, the second edition of What to Eat During Cancer Treatment was published. That edition added over 30 new recipes and more nutrition advice.

Board & Community Involvement

Jeanne uses her skills in community work too. She is a trustee of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. She served as Second Vice Chair and chaired the Nominating and Grants Committees at Partners for Health Foundation. She also sits on the board of the Princeton Independent Film Festival.

Public Image & Media Appearances

Jeanne is known for her healthy cooking advice. On October 17, 2016, she co‑hosted live cooking segments on Good Morning America with Dr. Richard Besser. In those segments, they made recipes from her American Cancer Society cookbooks. She has profiles on Simon & Schuster and Amazon. She has been interviewed by many cooking websites and magazines.

Social Media & Online Presence

Jeanne keeps a professional online presence. She has an active LinkedIn profile showing her work in PR, marketing, and nutrition communications. She used to write the Feeding Frenzy blog on EveningEdge.com, where she posted seasonal recipes and wellness tips. She does not have public Instagram or Twitter accounts. Her content appears mostly through her publishers and the foundations she works with.

Publications & Detailed Bibliography

Most Recent News & Updates

The second edition of her ACS cookbook came out on October 1, 2018. Since 2018, she has not released more books or given major public interviews. Her American Cancer Society cookbooks are still used by cancer-care groups and patient-education programs.

FAQ

What is Jeanne Besser’s educational background?

She has a B.A. in English Literature from Brown University.

How did Jeanne Besser start her culinary career?

She trained in baking and worked in professional kitchens for over ten years before her first cookbook in 1997.

Who is Jeanne Besser married to?

She is married to Dr. Richard E. Besser, former acting CDC director and current RWJF President & CEO.

What are Jeanne Besser’s most notable cookbooks?

Her main titles include The First Book of Baking, Working Mom’s Fast & Easy Family Cookbook, and her American Cancer Society cookbooks.

Which foundation boards does she serve on?

She serves on the Princeton Area Community Foundation and the Princeton Independent Film Festival boards.

When was the second edition of her ACS cookbook released?

It was published on October 1, 2018.

References