Food As Medicine Conference Set for Santa Cruz

September 24, 2024 – Michael Pollan distilled the key takeaway from his appropriately succinct Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual to six words: “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants”

That simplicity is helpful. And, it’s nice to get into the why too.

There’s a lot of why arriving in Santa Cruz for the first ever Food As Medicine Santa Cruz Health Conference. 

It happens Sunday, Oct. 20, at Hotel Paradox, gathering healthcare professionals, researchers, and experts from various fields to dig into the latest scientific findings, clinical uses and human benefits related to plant-based diets. The programming is also available virtually.

The event evokes many of the powerful benefits outlined in EMB’s “Doctors Orders: Produce prescriptions are preventing disease and saving local lives.”

The full day slate includes a resource fair, networking sessions, a tasty whole food plant-based lunch, and a culinary medicine demonstration. 

It also delivers a raft of talks like “10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Going Plant-Based” (from Dr. Rak Jotwani), “Mechanisms of Disease Reversal Utilizing Plant-Based Nutrition” (Dr. Michael Klaper), and “Thinking Outside the (Cereal) Box: Effective Weight Management with Plant-Based Nutrition” (Dr. Elise Atkins).

Santa Cruz 501(c)(3) nonprofit Eat for the Earth hosts, keeping with its mission of making it easier for people to eat more plants and less animal products to sustain all life on Earth. 

The conference is designed both for pro healers (who can earn continuing education units) and anyone at all with interests in eating more consciously—with scholarships available for the latter by emailing info@foodasmedicinesantacruz.org. 

“We’re so excited to bring together experts and passionate learners at this year’s conference,” co-organizer Wendy Gabbe Day says. “Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to transform patient care through plant-based nutrition or someone eager to dive deeper into healthy living, this is the place to be.” 

More at the Food as Medicine Santa Cruz and Eat for the Earth websites.

Mark C. Anderson is a storyteller based in California’s Bay Areas who serves on the Monterey County Food Policy Coalition and won best magazine column at SF Press Club Awards. Reach him via mark@ediblemontereybay.com or @MontereyMCA by way of Instagram.