WANDA: Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics & Agriculture

If Food Is Medicine, Why Are Hospitals Still Serving Junk? That’s the question raised in this powerful new Health Affairs article, and it’s one we must all confront. Despite billions invested in Food Is Medicine initiatives, hospitals across America continue to serve ultra-processed foods that directly contradict their mission to heal. Soda, candy, and salty snacks line vending machines while culturally relevant, whole, nourishing meals are often nowhere to be found. At WANDA: Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics and Agriculture, we know that if we want to truly transform health systems, we must start by transforming food environments—especially in the very institutions meant to care for us. The solution? Set real nutrition procurement standards for patient and cafeteria meals Invest in scratch cooking infrastructure and culturally appropriate menus Elevate leaders like Black women nutritionists, chefs, and food advocates who know how to feed people well Stop approaching food policy like it’s optional—treat it like the public health emergency it is We can’t afford to preach "Food Is Medicine" and serve junk on the tray. It's time to align our values with our food. Read the article: If “Food Is Medicine,” Why Are Hospitals Still Serving Junk? – Health Affairs https://bit.ly/3Fs8gq1

Celebrating National Women in Agriculture Day! ?????????? Today, we honor the 1.2 million female producers—making up 36% of the country’s 3.4 million producers—who work tirelessly to feed, clothe, and fuel our nation. Women have been at the heart of agriculture for centuries, leading as farmers, ranchers, business owners, educators, researchers, and policymakers across the industry. Thanks to a bipartisan resolution led by Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Rep. Angie Craig, and Senators Joni Ernst and Tina Smith, March 21st is officially recognized as National Women in Agriculture Day. This resolution acknowledges the essential role women play in agriculture, from farm operations to agribusiness, research and development, education, and beyond. At WANDA, we uplift the women cultivating food justice, nutrition security, and equitable food policies for our communities. Today, we celebrate their contributions and commitment to a more just and sustainable food system! Tag a woman in ag who inspires you! ??? #NationalWomenInAgricultureDay #WomenInAg #FoodJustice #WANDAWomen #AgLeadership

?? Food Shero Friday Spotlight: Heather Hodges ?? Heather Hodges is on a mission to preserve, document, and celebrate Black culinary heritage. As President of the Southern Foodways Alliance, she works to ensure that the stories of Black chefs, farmers, and food makers are recognized as an essential part of Southern and American food history. Through oral histories, cultural initiatives, and public programming, Heather uplifts the legacy of African American food traditions, making sure they are not forgotten but honored and shared. Her work reminds us that food isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about history, resilience, and identity. Let’s celebrate Heather for ensuring that Black food stories are told, valued, and passed down for generations to come! ??? #FoodSheroFriday #HeatherHodges #BlackCulinaryHeritage #FoodHistory #SouthernFoodways #CulturalPreservation #FoodJustice #FoodFreedomFighter

Food is Medicine: The Big Bet Changing How America Eats A powerful article in Forbes by Daphne Ewing-Chow spotlights how the “Food is Medicine” movement is becoming a transformative force in the U.S. health system. At WANDA: Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics and Agriculture, we believe this movement must also address nutrition equity, cultural relevance, and community-rooted solutions—especially for Black women and girls. As the article highlights, this is no longer just a concept—it's a national shift involving healthcare systems, insurers, and food policy. But to make this work for everyone, we must ensure: Traditional diets and ancestral wisdom are part of the solution Black women food leaders are funded and centered in programs and policies Community-based interventions are scaled—not sidelined We are excited to see the momentum growing and proud to be leading efforts like our Food as Medicine in the Black Community Initiative, working with partners like Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and community leaders to create impact where it's needed most. The future of food is health. And the future of health is justice. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eMQFYaMF #FoodIsMedicine #WANDA #NutritionEquity #HealthJustice #BlackWomenLead #FoodJustice #CulturallyRelevantNutrition #Forbes #PublicHealth #FoodPolicy #WANDASpeaks

??? Tasty Trivia Time! ??? This East African dish is made from cooked green bananas and served with hearty stews. ???? It’s a comforting, starchy staple enjoyed in many households! Can you guess its name? Drop your answer below! ?????? #TastyTrivia #EastAfricanEats #FoodJustice #AfricanDiasporaEats #RemixRecipes Answer: B

? Inspire Like Haile! ? Haile Thomas is proof that young voices can spark big change! As a wellness activist and founder of The HAPPY Org, she’s inspiring a new generation to embrace plant-based nutrition, self-care, and food justice. Her work reminds us that when we nourish ourselves, we nourish our communities too. At WANDA, we believe that every meal is an opportunity to fuel our future. When we #InspireLikeHaile, we uplift each other, educate with love, and create a world where wellness is a right, not a privilege. Let’s keep the movement growing! ???? #FoodJustice #YouthWellness #PlantBasedLiving #WANDAPower

This Turn the Page Tuesday, we’re feeding our minds and souls with Gumbo for the Black Woman’s Soul by LeAnne Dolce, MTC PMP. ??? Much like a rich, simmering pot of gumbo, this book blends wisdom, love, and resilience—offering nourishment for the heart and spirit. Through a collection of inspiring stories, reflections, and affirmations, Gumbo for the Black Woman’s Soul uplifts and empowers Black women on their journeys of healing and self-discovery. Inside, you’ll find: ?? Heartfelt personal narratives that celebrate strength, perseverance, and growth. ?? Soulful reflections on self-care, spirituality, and embracing your authentic self. ?? A literary space where Black women’s experiences are honored, cherished, and amplified. Join us as we turn the page and embrace the power of storytelling, sisterhood, and self-love. Because our stories matter. Our voices deserve to be heard. And our souls deserve to be fed. ???? #TurnThePageTuesday #BlackWomensVoices #HealingThroughStories #SoulfulSisterhood #WhatsWANDAReading

Celebrating National Nutrition Month: The Journey of Collard Greens Connecting Cultures As we observe National Nutrition Month, it's enlightening to reflect on the rich history of collard greens—a staple that not only nourishes our bodies but also connects diverse cultures across continents. Traditionally associated with Southern U.S. cuisine and African American "soul food," collard greens have deep roots that trace back to Africa. Recent research reveals that collards likely originated in the Mediterranean and traveled through North Africa before reaching the Americas. In Morocco, for instance, collards are cultivated in oasis gardens by communities descended from enslaved Africans, highlighting the plant's journey through ancient trade routes. This culinary migration underscores how food traditions evolve and intertwine, enriching our collective heritage. Embracing such nutrient-dense vegetables not only honors these cultural connections but also promotes health and well-being. Let's celebrate the power of greens like collards in bridging cultures and fostering healthier communities. #NationalNutritionMonth #CulturalHeritage #HealthyEating #CollardGreens #FoodHistory https://lnkd.in/eQCx_FAx

? “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde ? Fear has no place when your purpose is greater than your doubts. Step into your power, embrace your vision, and let your impact speak for itself. ?????? #FoodFreedomFighters #WANDA #AudreLorde #StepIntoYourPower #WomenWhoLead

?? Food Shero Friday Spotlight: Dr. Akua Woolbright, PhD ?? Dr. Akua Woolbright is a powerhouse in nutrition education, helping communities take control of their health through food. As the National Nutrition Program Director for Whole Foods Market, she leads impactful programs that make plant-based eating practical, accessible, and culturally relevant. Her work goes beyond teaching—she’s reshaping the way people think about food, ensuring that nutrition knowledge reaches those who need it most. By bridging the gap between wellness and food justice, she’s empowering individuals to live healthier, fuller lives. Let’s honor Dr. Woolbright for her commitment to making healthy eating a reality for all! ??? #FoodSheroFriday #DrAkuaWoolbright #HealthEquity #FoodJustice #PlantBasedLiving #NutritionEducation #FoodFreedomFighter