Our 2024 Agenda:

The 2024 Symposium will take place at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

We will continue to update this page as we develop the full 2024 Agenda.

Day 1 (Friday), October 18

• 11 am-12 pm Registration/Welcome 
• 12-2 pm Presentation and Demonstration, Culinary Medicine 
• 2:30 pm-4 pm Offsite Urban Farm Tour & Food is Medicine Feature 
• 4 pm-6 pm Networking in the Garden 

Day 2 (Saturday), October 19 

• 8-8:30 am Registration/Breakfast 
• 8:30-9 am Welcome 
• 9-9:15 am East Side Acknowledgement  
• 9:15-9:45 am Keynote Presentation  
• 9:45-10:45 am Panel Discussion: Culturally Responsive Interventions
  • Food as medicine programs are not just about getting people to eat healthy food – they are about transforming lives. In this dynamic session, we’re diving headfirst into the heart of culturally responsive food programs. Medically tailored meals and groceries, produce prescriptions, farm boxes, and culinary education present unique opportunities to celebrate diverse palates and support health equity. Join us as we explore the power and promise of these interventions. This session will feature national best practice efforts that unleash the full potential of nutrition and deliver culturally relevant food programs in a dignified way. 
• 10:45-10:50 am Break 
• 10:50-11:30 am Fire Side Chat: Nutrition and Mental Health
  • Join us for a compelling fireside chat exploring the profound connection between diet and psychological well-being. Experts will discuss how individual nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, influence mental health. The panel will delve into the broader impacts of overall nutrition status and the critical role gut health plays in brain function. Discover the latest research linking diet to mental health conditions and learn practical dietary strategies to enhance mental wellness. This session is essential for anyone interested in the interplay between nutrition and mental health, from healthcare professionals to wellness enthusiasts. 
• 11:30-11:40 am Video Feature 
• 11:40-11:45 am Elected Official Visit 
• 11:45-11:50 am Morning Summary and What’s Next 
• 11:50 am-12:45 pm Lunch  
• 12:45-1 pm Special Program Feature 
• 1-1:20 pm Presentation 
• 1:20-2:30 pm Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Culinary Medicine 
  • Get ready to savor the future of healthcare at the culinary medicine best practices panel. Culinary medicine combines the expertise of physicians, dietitians, chefs, and patients to craft mouthwatering meals that treat disease and nourish the body. It is the perfect fusion of evidence-based nutrition science and the joy and art of cooking that elevates healthcare delivery to new heights. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of delicious dishes in treating diseases, promoting well-being, and spurring social connections. This session will highlight a spectrum of programs from early stage to advanced, ignite your passion for innovative healthcare approaches, and leave you hungry for more. 
• 2:30-2:35 pm Break 
• 2:35-3:35 pm Roundtable Talk: Innovation in Food and Health
  • Food-related preventable diseases are the leading cause of death and a primary driver of national healthcare spending. While the healthcare system faces its own challenges in addressing this, the entrepreneurial community holds its own distinct set of opportunities. Entrepreneurs and innovators play an important role in disrupting the status quo – specifically in accelerating the adoption of food as medicine into mainstream culture. This panel will embark on a flavorful journey into the world of entrepreneurship, where passion for food meets health. This session highlights the unique stories of national and local entrepreneurs who have tackled challenges and pursued opportunities to advance health outcomes and resilient food systems. From sustainable sourcing to leveraging technology to ensuring regulatory compliance, we’ll uncover the recipe for successful innovation. 
• 3:35-4:45 pm Breakout: Working Sessions 
• 4:45-5 pm Closing Remarks