The food industry is the largest sector of the U.S. economy. The way we grow, produce and distribute food in our country also has a massive impact on Americans’ health and well-being — and in that regard, it’s failed us completely.
Presently, nearly three out of four American adults are overweight or obese, and only 12 percent of Americans are metabolically healthy. Our food system is putting us all at greater risk of disease, both acute and chronic. Yet there is currently no centralized plan for managing American agriculture or the food system as a whole.
Clearly, change is much needed. Featuring leading experts in medicine, nutrition and food policy, this Summit will illuminate some of the central issues facing the American food system — while offering ideas and hope for a better path forward.
Summit Agenda
Welcome:
"Food Policy in America: Where We Are — And Where We Need to Go" with Congressman Tim Ryan, 13th District of Ohio
Gain an overview of food policy in America, and how certain policy changes — including produce prescriptions, big agricultural changes, down-ballot issues, government food subsidies and more — could make an impact. Plus, learn individual action steps you can take yourself, like talking to local legislators and helping to inform others.
Session One:
"Food, Nutrition and COVID-19" with Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, Dean, Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, Tufts University
One major takeaway from the pandemic so far: An individual’s underlying health conditions and current nutrition habits play a major role in COVID-19 risk and outcomes. Find out what the current research says about Americans’ metabolic health, how food has become a social justice issue and why we need to advocate for better nutrition research in our country.
Session Two:
"Food as Medicine" with Frank Lipman, MD, Chief Medical Officer at THE WELL & Mark Hyman, MD, Head of Strategy and Innovation, Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine
Food is the foundation of good health. Join these two functional medicine pioneers to learn the principles of “food as medicine,” the overarching challenges we face in the metabolic health crisis in America and small steps and lifestyle changes we can all start doing right now to be well.
Movement Break:
QiGong with Jonathan Angelilli, Mindful Movement Teacher at THE WELL
Movement break! A Mindful Movement instructor from THE WELL will guide you through a brief QiGong practice, fluidly linking deliberate, meditative movement with breath.
Session Three:
"Food as a Social Justice Issue" with Akash Goel, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center
Food is not only medicine, but it’s also become a pivotal social justice issue in this country. Learn about food insecurity in America, SNAP program initiatives, the impact of food insecurity on the health of low-income populations and Dr. Goel’s observations from the frontlines of the pandemic in New York City.
Closing:
"Vote with Your Fork: Actionable Steps You Can Take Right Now" with Liz Accles, Executive Director of Community Food Advocates
Getting informed is just the beginning. Now, learn actionable steps you can take to support nutrition policy reform, healthy food access and other food issues in America. We’ll share lists of nonprofits and community organizations doing grassroots work, candidates advocating for food policy reform and other ways to share your learnings with your community.