Beyond Food Is Medicine: Jamie “The Produce Lady” on Building Food Justice

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the intersection of food, culture, community, and advocacy—and exploring what it really means to create equitable food systems that nourish people beyond the plate. This conversation is a powerful reminder that food access isn’t just about availability; it’s about dignity, education, connection, and giving communities the tools to thrive. If you’ve ever thought about food as a vehicle for social change, civic engagement, and healing, this episode will leave you inspired.In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Danielle sits down with Jamie Gonzalez, affectionately known as “The Produce Lady”—a food activist, chef, and community leader from San Antonio, Texas, with more than 20 years of experience in the produce industry. Jamie is the founder of the Market Box produce access and literacy programs, which have distributed more than 4 million pounds of fresh produce through partnerships with over 50 organizations. She also serves as the Community Engagement & Development Manager at River City Produce and President of the Food Policy Council of San Antonio, where she advocates for food literacy, health equity, and sustainable, community-centered food solutions.Throughout the episode, Jamie shares her perspective on the evolving Food Is Medicine movement, why she reframes it as “Food Is Health,” and how produce literacy can empower communities in ways that go far beyond nutrition education. She also opens up about resilience, identity, reclaiming space as a Latina woman in food systems work, and the story behind the moniker “Puta de la Fruta.” From food sovereignty and civic engagement to healing and authenticity, this conversation highlights the transformative power of food to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Jamie got started in food systems and produce advocacy (00:00)→ The experiences that shaped her passion for food access and community work.Why produce literacy matters just as much as food access (14:00)→ How education, flavor, and cultural connection help people actually use fresh foods.Food Is Medicine vs. Food Is Health (16:30)→ Jamie’s perspective on prevention, dignity, and why food should go beyond prescriptions.What makes Food Rx programs actually work (19:00)→ Lessons from produce box programs, community trust, and increasing participation rates.Using food as a tool for community building and civic engagement (22:00)→ Why conversations around produce can spark empowerment and systemic change.The story behind “Puta de la Fruta” and becoming The Produce Lady (26:00)→ How Jamie reclaimed identity, challenged stereotypes, and built a recognizable community voice.Navigating authenticity, culture, and professionalism as a woman of color (35:00)→ Reflections on identity, influence, and balancing different versions of yourself.How resilience, injury, and COVID reshaped Jamie’s purpose (37:00)→ The personal experiences that changed how she approaches work, healing, and leadership.Jamie’s vision for the future of food access and community health (42:00)→ Expanding food literacy, cooperative buying programs, and creating sustainable systems for communities.Resources & Links:📌 Connect with Jamie:InstagramLinkedIn🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:Website: www.diversifydietetics.orgInstagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDieteticsSend in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube