In February, I joined six colleagues on a Food Is Medicine panel at the 37th Annual Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wis. Marbleseed brings together farmers, producers and food leaders from across the Midwest.
Our panel brought together professionals from health care, tribal leadership, law, agriculture, public health and the charitable food system:
- Jackie Anderson – Feeding Wisconsin
- Gary Besaw – Menominee Department of Agriculture and Food Systems and Former Tribal Chairman
- Jen Falck – intertribal agronomist at UW–Madison
- Beth Heller – Wello
- Jake Larkin – physician assistant and lifelong gardener
- Kristen McEnroe – Harvard’s Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation
- April Yancer – Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
What we discussed
The panel explored what Food is Medicine means to different communities, how programs work on the ground, what role insurers play and the challenges and opportunities for programs like produce prescriptions. We also discussed how policy change can better support local farmers and strengthen local economies. Locally grown food supports healthier people and stronger communities.
The most rewarding part was learning from fellow panelists. It’s clear that people across Wisconsin are passionate about connecting food, health and traditions.
Let’s connect! Send me an email to learn more about this panel or our Food is Medicine work.
Written by:
Geeta Wadhwani, MPH, RN, BSN
Program Leader