9/11/2024 –
An apple a day keeps the doctor away—right?
This well-worn adage dates back over 100 years, yet consumption of—and, often, access to—fresh, healthy foods like fruits and vegetables remains a challenge. Today, millions of American families experience food insecurity, and many more consume diets of low nutritional quality. Meanwhile, Type 2 diabetes and other nutrition-related health conditions are among the leading causes of death, illness, and healthcare spending in the country.
Recently, there has been renewed interest among scholars, clinicians, and policymakers in the role of nutrition to enhance health and prevent a range of chronic health conditions. Put another way, there’s a growing recognition of food as medicine. In September 2022, the White House hosted its first conference in 50 years focused on food, nutrition, and health. Concurrently, the Biden-Harris Administration released a National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which outlines commitments for actions to reduce both food and nutrition insecurity and promote health equity…