The future of food security

20/06/2025 31 min
The future of food security

Listen "The future of food security"

Episode Synopsis

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.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Lisa Goldman RosasRecipe4HealthConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Lisa Goldman Rosas, a professor of epidemiology and population health, medicine and pediatrics at Stanford University.(00:03:56) Journey Into Food & HealthLisa’s path from environmental science to food security and medicine.(00:05:54) Food Insecurity vs. Nutrition SecurityDistinguishing between food insecurity and nutrition security.(00:07:12) Food Choices Under PressureFactors that contribute to food insecurity in families.(00:09:03) Health Impacts of Food InsecurityLinks between food insecurity, chronic illness and mental health issues.(00:12:04) Government & Policy SupportHow programs like SNAP and WIC support food access.(00:14:15) Food as MedicineA growing movement connecting healthcare with nutrition support.(00:17:34) Trial Periods & Lasting ImpactWhy 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 InsecurityHow expensive chronic disease can push people into food insecurity.(00:24:23) Medicaid Waivers for Food PrescriptionsThe state level policy shifts that allow food as a reimbursable health expense.(00:26:27) Private Sector’s Role in Food InsecurityHow companies are getting involved in promoting healthy foods.(00:27:34) Simple Tips for Eating BetterStrategies to make small but impactful changes for eating healthier.(00:30:39) Conclusion
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