In-Person Workshop: Harnessing the Power of Culinary Medicine Applications to Improve Health Equity and Education

THIS IS A DIDACTIC WORKSHOP WHICH WILL NOT INCLUDE HANDS-ON CULINARY DEMONSTRATIONS IN A TEACHING KITCHEN.

This workshop aims to shed light on the transformative potential of culinary medicine in addressing the pressing health challenges faced by communities worldwide. As outlined in recent studies and reports, including the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the EAT-Lancet Commission report, poor nutrition contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases, leading to millions of preventable deaths annually. Moreover, the economic toll of chronic diseases on healthcare systems is staggering, with the majority of healthcare expenditures in the US allocated towards managing these conditions. However, the barriers to accessing healthy food and understanding proper nutrition are numerous and complex. Factors such as food insecurity, marketing practices, food accessibility, and behavioral challenges further exacerbate the issue, creating significant disparities in health outcomes among different populations. Furthermore, food holds cultural significance and plays a crucial role in community development and cohesion, making it imperative to address these challenges comprehensively. In addition, medical schools and training programs lack sufficient nutritional education curricula to teach our present and future healthcare workforce adequately. This presentation will showcase the diverse applications of culinary medicine through firsthand professional experiences from leaders in the field. Panelists will share their models and insights on implementing culinary medicine in solo practice, academia, health systems, and community initiatives. By highlighting the successes, challenges, and lessons learned, we aim to equip attendees with practical knowledge and strategies to incorporate culinary medicine back into their practices and communities. This presentation will offer a timely and relevant exploration of culinary medicine as a transformative tool for improving health outcomes and fostering community well-being. We are confident that our insights and experiences will resonate with conference attendees and inspire action towards a healthier, more equitable future.