Imagine a world where health starts in the kitchen, not in the ER. A world where every child grows up learning to cook, nourish themselves, and lead their families toward healthier futures. That’s the world we envisioned at our roundtable—a powerful conversation with leaders from healthcare, philanthropy, education, and food systems. Together, we explored how investing in prevention and whole health approaches can improve long-term outcomes and reduce chronic disease. As Dr. Melinda Ring put it: “We’re operating in a disease-based system, not a health-based one. If we don’t invest in prevention and help people make lifestyle changes, we’ll keep spiraling into a health crisis.” We know prevention works. Programs like SNAP-Ed empower families to cook, eat well, and take control of their health. Yet right now, despite the proven impact, funding is on the chopping block in both the House and Senate. This isn’t just a budget line—it’s a step backward for our communities. As our board member, Chef and gastroenterologist Dr. Ed McDonald said: “All Americans should have the opportunity to learn about nutrition and cooking from an early age. This shouldn’t be political—it should simply be our reality.” We also talked about the powerful ripple effect kids can have. Board member Dr. Lisa Waddell reminded us: “Seat belts became the norm because children wore them. The same can happen with healthy habits. What kids learn about food can transform entire families.” Melanie Hall of Feeding America summed it up perfectly: “When you harness the power of change through children, you maximize what’s possible.” This isn’t about politics—it’s about prevention, health equity, and setting the next generation up for success. If we want a healthier, more resilient future, we must act now—and we must start with our children. Let’s keep the momentum going. Join us in supporting this mission. Thank you to our incredible community: Jon Harris, James R. (Tres) Bailey III, Kevin Costello, Michelle Bernstein, Mark Bertolini (fb)

Imagine a world where health starts in the kitchen, not in the ER. A world where every child grows up learning to cook, nourish themselves, and lead their families toward healthier futures. That’s the world we envisioned at our roundtable—a powerful conversation with leaders from healthcare, philanthropy, education, and food systems. Together, we explored how investing in prevention and whole health approaches can improve long-term outcomes and reduce chronic disease. As Dr. Melinda Ring put it: "We’re operating in a disease-based system, not a health-based one. If we don’t invest in prevention and help people make lifestyle changes, we’ll keep spiraling into a health crisis." We know prevention works. Programs like SNAP-Ed empower families to cook, eat well, and take control of their health. Yet right now, despite the proven impact, funding is on the chopping block in both the House and Senate. This isn’t just a budget line—it’s a step backward for our communities. As our board member, Chef and gastroenterologist Dr. Ed McDonald said: "All Americans should have the opportunity to learn about nutrition and cooking from an early age. This shouldn’t be political—it should simply be our reality." We also talked about the powerful ripple effect kids can have. Board member Dr. Lisa Waddell reminded us: "Seat belts became the norm because children wore them. The same can happen with healthy habits. What kids learn about food can transform entire families." Melanie Hall of Feeding America summed it up perfectly: "When you harness the power of change through children, you maximize what’s possible." This isn’t about politics—it’s about prevention, health equity, and setting the next generation up for success. If we want a healthier, more resilient future, we must act now—and we must start with our children. Let’s keep the momentum going. Join us in supporting this mission. Thank you to our incredible community: Jon Harris, James R. (Tres) Bailey III, Kevin Costello, Michelle Bernstein, Mark Bertolini #CommonThreads #FoodIsMedicine #InvestInKids #HealthEquity #SNAPEdWorks #SupportPrevention #FundTheFuture #HealthyCommunities #NutritionEducation #CookingWithPurpose #AdvocateForChange #HealthyHabitsStartYoung #PreventionNotPolitics #ActNow (fb)