The future of food security

Guest Lisa Goldman Rosas is an authority on public health who says that food insecurity goes deeper than hunger and can lead to chronic diabetes, heart disease, and even anxiety and depression. Rosas champions a concept she calls “nutrition security,” which focuses on food’s health value over mere calories. She discusses her work with “Recipe4Health,” an Alameda County-led program that issues produce prescriptions, offers health coaching, and integrates electronic health records to improve diets and well-being. Food is medicine, Rosas tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Lisa Goldman Rosas
• Recipe4Health

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces Lisa Goldman Rosas, a professor of epidemiology and population health, medicine and pediatrics at Stanford University.

(00:03:56) Journey Into Food & Health

Lisa’s path from environmental science to food security and medicine.

(00:05:54) Food Insecurity vs. Nutrition Security

Distinguishing between food insecurity and nutrition security.

(00:07:12) Food Choices Under Pressure

Factors that contribute to food insecurity in families.

(00:09:03) Health Impacts of Food Insecurity

Links between food insecurity, chronic illness and mental health issues.

(00:12:04) Government & Policy Support

How programs like SNAP and WIC support food access.

(00:14:15) Food as Medicine

A growing movement connecting healthcare with nutrition support.

(00:17:34) Trial Periods & Lasting Impact

Why short-term programs can help families discover healthier habits.

(00:21:27) What is Recipe4Health?

An outline of a clinic-based produce and behavior prescription program.

(00:24:07) When Disease Causes Food Insecurity

How expensive chronic disease can push people into food insecurity.

(00:24:23) Medicaid Waivers for Food Prescriptions

The state level policy shifts that allow food as a reimbursable health expense.

(00:26:27) Private Sector’s Role in Food Insecurity

How companies are getting involved in promoting healthy foods.

(00:27:34) Simple Tips for Eating