Beyond Nutrition: Embracing Food as Medicine, Identity, and Power with Dr. Kofi Essel

What if the intersection of food, culture, and community holds the key to solving some of the more pressing health challenges facing youth?In this conversation we dive into how nutrition is more than science, it’s personal. We explore how food traditions can both nourish and shed light on barriers, how systems of inequality influence what ends up on the plate, and why improving youth health starts with understanding the full context behind every meal.Together, we unpack why 'Food as Medicine' is about more than nutrients or advice, it’s about working alongside communities to create access, empowerment, and honoring the lived experiences of families.Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide.InstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeHave feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast — we’d love to hear from you.