Food as Medicine: Utah Programs Lead the Way in Nutritional Healthcare

In Utah, innovative programs are embracing the “Food Is Medicine” movement, recognizing the profound impact of nutrition on health outcomes. These initiatives provide targeted food prescriptions and nutritional education, aiming to combat chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.

The Core of the Movement

The “Food Is Medicine” concept revolves around the idea that dietary choices considerably influence an individual’s health.Research supports this, revealing that proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in physical and mental well-being and lower healthcare costs.

Dr. Amy Locke,chief wellness officer at University of Utah Health,emphasizes this point: “If you think about the drivers of health,dietary risk factors are shown to be the most vital modifiable risk factor for chronic disease and death. Yet in health care, we don’t really talk about that much.”

Locke further breaks down the factors influencing health: clinical care accounts for about 20%, behaviors like diet and sleep 30%, the physical environment around 10%, and socioeconomic factors the remaining 40%.

University of Utah Health Food Pharmacy

The University of Utah Health Food Pharmacy operates within clinical settings. Healthcare providers refer patients for nutrition education and issue “prescriptions” for specific foods tailored to their health conditions.

This program includes education and up to six visits to the food pharmacy truck, which alternates between the Greenwood Clinic in Midvale and the Redwood Clinic in Salt Lake city twice a week. Key to the program is, “The coaching piece paired with food and resources, that’s where the magic of the food pharmacy program really is.”

Ellen Maxwell, associate director of clinical operations, explains that the program supplements food needs with coaching. Patients like Alma Rivera, who developed gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, receive support. Rivera might select from dairy items like 2% milk or almond milk, vegetables (fresh and canned), proteins such as pinto beans or tuna, fruits (fresh and canned), and starches like brown rice or oatmeal.

Patients also receive facts on community resources like food banks and farmer’s markets. according to maxwell, it’s all about “Food resources, education and coaching.”

The food pharmacy is a food truck equipped with refrigeration and staffed by Sarah Zou, a registered dietitian, and health-field students. These students are trained to view food as medicine and gain experience working with patients, and can assist people speaking a wide variety of languages through translation services.

Follow-up visits can be conducted in person or via telehealth, and those following up remotely use Kroger gift cards to purchase specific foods.

VA Partnership with Rockefeller Foundation

Another notable initiative is a partnership between the Rockefeller Foundation and the Veterans Health Management (VA), assisting veterans in the Salt Lake area. This program focuses on providing access to high-quality produce and nutritional education.

Oswald “Oz” Hutton, a veteran battling hypertension, arthritis, and chronic pain, participates in the program. He notes the importance of understanding what to eat to manage his health conditions.

Collaboration and Sustainability

Both programs emphasize the importance of local grocers and community support. Several grocery stores, including Kroger (Smith’s in Utah) and Lucky, accept program-specific cards for produce purchases. The university health program is all collaboration, including students and funding.

The food comes from university Hospital’s Nutrition Care Services, the Utah Food Bank, and Dairy West provides dairy resources and helps fund the truck. The program buys farm shares from the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots program, and Kroger provides grocery gift cards.

Empowering Patients Through education

Hutton, a program graduate, emphasizes the transformative impact of nutritional education: “Part of my goal is to eat my way to better health…But classes only take you so far if you can’t afford to buy the produce you want,” as the foundation’s Cohen-Cline said. “It is in pairing access with knowlege that there’s ‘a lot of power.'”

He also notes the positive effects on his mental health: “By eating better, I have energy…Now, when I go outdoors, I want to stay outside and do things, to socialize. So one of the least talked about benefits is positive mental health and overall well-being.”

Looking Ahead

these Utah programs represent a notable step toward integrating nutrition into healthcare. They demonstrate how targeted food interventions, coupled with education and support, can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

dr. Locke envisions a broader initiative: “This is a piece of a much bigger sort of initiative of, how do we help improve health, and specifically nutrition of people in Salt Lake and in Utah, from school-based programs to teaching kitchens?”

Ultimately, these initiatives highlight the potential of food as medicine and offer a pathway toward a healthier future. Contact your healthcare provider to find out more about programs in your area or consider supporting initiatives like these to help expand their reach.

How can healthcare providers effectively collaborate with nutritionists and other healthcare professionals to develop complete “Food is Medicine” plans for patients?

Food as Medicine: An Interview with Nutrition Pioneer, Dr. Eleanor Vance

Archyde News recently sat down with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading expert in nutritional healthcare and the director of the “Food First” initiative at a major hospital network. Dr. Vance has dedicated her career to exploring the powerful connection between food and health. We discussed the “Food Is Medicine” movement and its growing impact on patient care.

The “Food Is Medicine” Philosophy

Archyde News: Dr. Vance,thank you for joining us. Can you explain the core principles of the “Food Is Medicine” movement for our readers?

Dr.Eleanor Vance: Absolutely. the “Food Is Medicine” approach recognizes that food isn’t just fuel; it’s a powerful tool for preventing and managing chronic diseases. It’s about understanding how specific foods impact our bodies and using that knowledge to create personalized nutrition plans.

Integrating Nutrition into healthcare

Archyde News: What are some of the most innovative ways you’ve seen nutrition being integrated into mainstream healthcare?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: We’re seeing incredible progress. “Food pharmacies” are popping up, where healthcare providers can “prescribe” healthy foods alongside conventional medications. We’re also implementing nutrition education programs within clinical settings, empowering patients with the knowledge and skills to make informed food choices. Telehealth is also playing a crucial role,extending reach and access to registered dietitians and nutritionists.

Overcoming Barriers to Access

Archyde News: Access to healthy food can be a important barrier for many. How can healthcare systems address food insecurity and ensure equitable access to nutritious options?

Dr. Eleanor vance: This is a critical issue. We need to build strong partnerships with local food banks, community gardens, and grocers to create affordable and accessible food networks. Transportation assistance, culturally sensitive meal options, and SNAP benefit navigation are also essential components of effective food access programs.

The Future of Nutritional Healthcare

Archyde News: Where do you see the “Food Is Medicine” movement heading in the next five to ten years?

Dr.Eleanor Vance: I believe we’ll see widespread adoption of nutrition-based interventions as a standard part of preventative care and disease management. We’ll have more data to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of thes programs, leading to increased insurance coverage and government support. Imagine a future where every doctor’s visit includes a comprehensive nutrition assessment!

A Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers

Archyde News: Dr. Vance,what’s one thing our readers can implement today to start thinking about food as medicine in their own lives?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Start by consciously choosing one healthier option each day. Maybe it’s swapping a sugary drink for water or adding an extra serving of vegetables to yoru dinner plate. Small changes can create a ripple effect and lead to significant improvements in your overall health. Also, experiment in the kitchen! There are tons of creative and delicious recipes online using whole, unprocessed ingredients.

Archyde News: This is so insightful, dr. Vance! How can the average reader support and encourage “Food is Medicine” programs in their communities?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Great question! Start by contacting your local representatives to advocate for policies that support food access and nutrition education. Volunteer at food banks or community gardens, and donate to organizations that are working to improve food security in your area. Share this information! The more peopel hear about the benefits of “Food is Medicine”, the better able the movement is to take hold and make improvements in our communities!

Archyde News: Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Dr. Vance. This has been incredibly informative.

Dr. Eleanor Vance: My pleasure. Remember,food is a powerful ally in your journey to optimal health.

Archyde News: What are your thoughts on “Food is Medicine” program? Share your experiences or ideas for promoting nutritional health in the comments below!