Food is Medicine Symposium

September 18, Lincoln, Nebraska

Attendee: Associate Scientist Hollyanne Fricke

Presentation:

Produce Prescription as Intervention Method for Achieving Sustainable Impact on Individual and Community in symposium, The Future of Diabetes Nutrition Interventions—Innovation in Practice

Fricke served on a panel moderated by Senator Jen Day focused on the need for sustained and increased government investment in nutrition support programs as ways to lower medical costs in the long run and improve health outcomes overall. Questions included how a prescribed diet acts as preventive care for those facing health issues and the potential value of investing in nutrition to contribute to cost savings in other areas of health care.

Main takeaway and highlights: “This was a great opportunity for important conversation with other public nutrition professionals about the importance of investing in food as medicine and the long-term benefits for participants,” Fricke said. “Highlighting how food insecurity is a social determinant of health and dialogue about how we can get Food is Medicine programs developed and scaled up in Nebraska, as well as nationally.”