Cultural And Place-Based Wisdom For Implementing 'Food Is Medicine' Programs In North Carolina

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Community Health

Background:

• The Food Is Medicine movement aims to use food interventions within healthcare to combat diet-related diseases and food insecurity.
• Historical discriminatory policies in food and health systems have perpetuated health inequities.
• Community-based organizations (CBOs) are crucial in connecting communities to Food Is Medicine programs by prioritizing culture and relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of North Carolina CBOs in culturally safe Food Is Medicine programs.
• To emphasize the importance of CBOs in addressing systemic inequities within the movement.
• To advocate for the continued centrality of CBOs as the movement expands.

Main Methods:

• This commentary highlights the work of six North Carolina-based CBOs.
• Analysis focuses on programs emphasizing cultural safety and authentic community relationships.
• Examples include integrating Black cultural heritage and Southern Appalachian farming traditions.

Main Results:

• CBOs effectively foster belonging and trust by integrating local traditions.
• These culturally centered approaches address systemic inequities in health and food access.
• CBOs provide holistic solutions tailored to community-specific needs.

Conclusions:

• Expanding Food Is Medicine initiatives risk marginalizing CBOs if efficiency overshadows cultural approaches.
• Policymakers and health systems must ensure CBOs remain integral to the Food Is Medicine movement.
• Preserving the role of CBOs is essential for delivering equitable, community-centered food interventions.