#United States #Tempe #Sustainable Food #Food is Medicine #World Food Day

Celebrating Food as Medicine

In recognition of World Food Day 2025, an event titled "Food is Medicine and Eating for Health" is set to take place on October 16, 2025, at the Walton Center for Planetary Health in Tempe, Arizona. Co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Arizona State University's Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, and Food Tank, this gathering aims to shine a light on the critical connection between food and health.

The Essentials of World Food Day

World Food Day, observed on October 16 each year, serves as a global reminder of the importance of food in personal and planetary health. According to Thomas Pesek, Senior Liaison Officer at the FAO, the event emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors—including health, agriculture, and education—to make healthful food accessible and affordable for everyone.

Understanding Food as Medicine

"Food is not just nourishment; it acts as a form of medicine capable of impacting our health, communities, and the environment," remarked Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director of the Swette Center. The 'Food is Medicine' initiative seeks to empower individuals with knowledge about how their food choices can significantly affect their quality of life. It aims to nurture a better understanding of our collective food systems, shedding light on their intersections with sustainability and health.

Participants can expect to receive enlightening information on how nutrition plays an essential role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. The event will also feature hands-on cooking demonstrations to promote food choices that contribute to long-term well-being.

Empowering a Community through Education

Lyndsey Waugh, Executive Director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, emphasizes the role of food in fostering community connections and building confidence among individuals. She believes that educating the next generation about food and health is vital for creating a lasting positive impact, not only on personal wellness but also on the community as a whole.

In her words: "We don't need to wait for top-down solutions. Communities are already innovating, educating, and advocating for greater access to healthy food. This event celebrates those community-driven efforts and reminds us that creating a healthier food system isn't just feasible; it's already in motion."

Event Highlights

The event will kick off with a lunch at 12:30 PM MST, followed by a series of discussions and interactive sessions featuring distinguished speakers, such as scientists, farmers, health professionals, and community advocates. Notable participants slated to appear include:

• - Selena Ahmed from the American Heart Association
• - Arnott Duncan from Duncan Family Farms
• - Crystal FitzSimons from the Food Research & Action Center
• - Multiple representatives from Arizona State University

These experts will focus on innovative, community-based strategies that link nutrition, health, and sustainability, showcasing real-world examples of impactful practices that attendees can adopt.

Event Registration

This invitation-only event is designed for those passionate about exploring the intersections of health, food, and community. Interested individuals can register for the event using the promotional code "WorldFoodDay" through the provided link.

Inquiries can be directed to Bernard Pollack or media inquiries to Courtney Haik for further information on the event schedule and speaker line-up.

By participating in “Food is Medicine and Eating for Health,” attendees will gain fresh insights into how their dietary choices can significantly impact not only their health but also the well-being of their communities and the world at large. Together, we can forge a healthier future by understanding and embracing the powerful role that food plays in our lives.

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