The federal government is rolling out a new initiative aimed at improving access to nutritious food in America. While the details remain to be seen, one thing is clear: making healthy food more accessible is a step in the right direction.
Currently, about 40% of Americans are classified as "obese"—a metric that may be imperfect, but still signals a major health crisis. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and allergies are all on the rise, and they are closely linked to what we eat.
Every person on this planet needs food to survive. The choices we make about what we put in our bodies impact every aspect of our health.
The phrase "Food is Medicine" is often used, but what it really comes down to is simple: garbage in, garbage out. Despite endless reminders to eat well, many people still struggle to make healthier choices. The consequences: I lost my incredibly sweet mother to a sudden heart attack—she never got to see me as an adult. That kind of loss is devastating, and it reinforces how important it is to be mindful of what we eat.
Over time, many of us have lost touch with the process of feeding ourselves. For thousands of years, our ancestors dedicated a huge portion of their time to sourcing and preparing food. Even a generation ago, people spent more of their income on groceries and more time cooking. Today, rising costs and the fast pace of life push many toward convenience foods, for better or worse.
Food isn't medicine—food is food. Medicine exists to compensate for the nutrients we aren't getting from our diets, often because we've prioritized affordability and convenience over quality. And that isn’t an individual failing—it’s a systemic issue.
So how do we improve the way we nourish ourselves for long-term health? The answer lies in better options and greater knowledge. We all have the ability to learn about nutrition, but access to healthy food is not equal. I rely entirely on grocery stores and restaurants near my home for food. If those disappeared, I would struggle to find alternatives. The reality is, many people don’t have reliable access to nutritious options.
America has a problem with food accessibility. The solution lies in reimagining our food systems with a focus on access and choice. Food is one of the most universal aspects of humanity—we must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to eat well and thrive.
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