149: The Power of Plant-Based Community Support with Lianna Levine Reisner

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱 In this inspiring episode, hosts Justin and Stephanie Williams sit down with Lianna Levine Reisner, co-founder and president of Plant Powered Metro New York (PPMNY). Lianna shares her personal health transformation, how she brought plant-based education to diverse communities, and why building supportive local networks is the key to long-term lifestyle change. Together, they explore: Lianna's journey from personal experimentation to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle How PPMNY empowers multicultural communities across the NYC metro area The role of mentorship, jumpstarts, and community events in helping people thrive Strategies for parents raising plant-based kids in traditional school environments How local groups can partner with restaurants and expand healthy food access Whether you're new to plant-based living or a seasoned advocate, this conversation offers heartfelt wisdom, practical ideas, and a powerful reminder of the impact community can make. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Meet Lianna Levine Reisner 03:00 Lianna's plant-based health journey 07:00 Raising plant-based children 11:00 Food environment challenges for families 15:00 Finding and building community 17:20 How Plant Powered Metro NY began 25:00 The four pillars: awareness, education, empowerment & community 28:00 Jumpstarts, mentorship & national collaboration 34:00 Multicultural outreach & bridging communities 40:00 Connecting with underserved populations 44:00 Working with restaurants for healthier options 45:40 Quick meal ideas from Lianna 49:20 Where to find PPMNY LINKS 🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association: https://www.healthscience.org/ 🌱 Explore Plant Powered Metro New York: https://www.plantpoweredmetrony.org/ 🎧 Listen to all NHA Today podcast episodes: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/ 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @nationalhealthassociation