The Food is Medicine space (also referred to as “Food as Medicine”) is quickly growing. While using nutrition as a strategy to help prevent or manage disease isn’t new – just ask our staff of registered dietitians – but new technologies, policy initiatives and patient-centered programs have created a new wave of momentum. The FoodMinds team is staying smart on emerging opportunities for cross-collaboration between the healthcare, ag, tech and food and beverage sectors. Here are our top takeaways that food and beverage stakeholders should know about Food as Medicine.
Food is much more than medicine
- While the Food is Medicine phrase has achieved official buzzword status,for some, there is ongoing debate around this term. Food is indeed a vital part of maintaining and improving health, but it’s more than just a tool for disease prevention and treatment. It’s also about pleasure, social bonding, cultural expression and so much more.
- Implication: Stakeholders in this space should focus on a balanced narrative around food that acknowledges its potential to heal and also respects its cultural, social and sensory importance.
Embracing cultural relevance is critical in Food is Medicine initiatives.
- Leaders in this space have acknowledged food is deeply tied to culture, and neglecting this connection can be the difference between success and failure in Food is Medicine Yet, a common rubric for defining “healthy food” is often solely based on the “Mediterranean Diet” pattern, which – while a healthy way of eating – may not be inclusive of diverse cultural backgrounds and food preferences.
- Implication: Food is Medicine leaders must incorporate cultural relevance into their program development and implementation strategies.
Healthy eating is nuanced and multifaceted and cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Too often in Food is Medicine conversations, there is a notable lack of nuance regarding what constitutes a “healthy food” or “healthy dietary pattern.” Nutrition experts know nourishing dietary patterns are not one-size-fits-all and can vary greatly depending on individual needs, lifestyles and even genetic factors. The absence of specificity in the discussion may lead to oversimplification of the concept of healthy eating.
- Implication: Companies and groups working in Food is Medicine must recognize and respect the complexity of healthy dietary patterns.
Globally, few linkages exist between health insurance payers and the broader food system.
- While the concept of using food in healing traditions has deep roots in many societies and cultures, the movement toward incorporating linkages between health insurance payers and the food system seems to be a mostly U.S.-based phenomenon at this point. In other parts of the world (e.g., Germany, Mexicoand the Philippines), there is much more of a focus on the culinary medicine aspect of Food is Medicine, where healthcare providers are being trained in nutrition and passing along culinary information to patients.
- Implication: Companies interested in global engagement in food as medicine should be mindful of theses differences and develop tailored messaging and initiatives for each market.
Interested in learning more? FoodMinds is closely monitoring the Food is Medicine landscape. Reach out to Andrea Carrothers who leads our Food is Medicine services, for more information.