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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.
Episode Reference Links:
Connect With Us:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces Lisa Goldman Rosas, a professor of epidemiology and population health, medicine and pediatrics at Stanford University.
(00:03:56) Journey Into Food & Health
Lisa’s path from environmental science to food security and medicine.
(00:05:54) Food Insecurity vs. Nutrition Security
Distinguishing between food insecurity and nutrition security.
(00:07:12) Food Choices Under Pressure
Factors that contribute to food insecurity in families.
(00:09:03) Health Impacts of Food Insecurity
Links between food insecurity, chronic illness and mental health issues.
(00:12:04) Government & Policy Support
How programs like SNAP and WIC support food access.
(00:14:15) Food as Medicine
A growing movement connecting healthcare with nutrition support.
(00:17:34) Trial Periods & Lasting Impact
Why 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 Insecurity
How expensive chronic disease can push people into food insecurity.
(00:24:23) Medicaid Waivers for Food Prescriptions
The state level policy shifts that allow food as a reimbursable health expense.
(00:26:27) Private Sector’s Role in Food Insecurity
How companies are getting involved in promoting healthy foods.
(00:27:34) Simple Tips for Eating Better
Strategies to make small but impactful changes for eating healthier.
(00:30:39) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
