We live in a pivotal era where the impact of food on personal health is increasingly recognized by patients, medical professionals, and everyday consumers alike. As diet-related diseases have now surpassed smoking as the leading cause of death, it is imperative to align our public, private, food, and health sectors to take bold actions. This keynote will explore the successes and challenges of scaling food as medicine initiatives to create lasting, equitable improvements in both personal and public health, and how shifting our way of thinking about food can improve health outcomes and vitality across various cultures and demographics. By implementing systemic changes and promoting true health equity, we can ensure that everyone in America, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, or income, has equitable access to affordable, healthy food and lifestyle choices.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the implementation and outcomes of fruit and vegetable prescription programs.
Explore the role of food as medicine in promoting health equity.
Evaluate the impact of food as medicine initiatives on the management of chronic disease.