The conference website will be updated on a rolling basis as program details are confirmed. We encourage prospective attendees to revisit the site periodically for the latest information regarding speakers, sessions, logistics, and networking opportunities.

Food Is Medicine: Creating Partnerships to Address Diet-Related Chronic Diseases Conference

Monday, November 30 | 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, December 1 | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET

NIH Main Campus–Building 45 (Natcher Conference Center)

Overview

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Path to Excellence and Innovation (PEI) Initiative, in collaboration with the NIH Office of Nutrition Research, is hosting the inaugural Food Is Medicine: Creating Partnerships to Address Diet‑Related Chronic Diseases conference. This national convening brings together leaders from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), other academic institutions, federal agencies, health care organizations, industry, foundations, community groups, and policymakers to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in nutrition research, public health, and Food Is Medicine initiatives.

The conference will catalyze sustainable partnerships that advance research, innovation, education, and community engagement to reduce diet‑related chronic diseases and improve health outcomes, especially in historically underserved communities.

Conference Objectives

• Highlight current Food Is Medicine initiatives, research programs, and collaborative models.
• Foster new partnerships among HBCUs, academia, federal agencies, health care organizations, industry, and community organizations.
• Identify research priorities and opportunities for collaborative funding.
• Advance strategies that integrate nutrition research, education, health care delivery, and public policy.
• Elevate HBCU leadership in nutrition science, agriculture, food systems, and public health.
• Develop recommendations to strengthen a national Food Is Medicine research and implementation network.

Why This Convening Matters

Poor nutrition is a leading driver of preventable illness and premature death in the United States. Diet‑related chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers affect the majority of U.S. adults and disproportionately impact underserved communities. The economic burden of poor nutrition and food insecurity exceeds $1.1 trillion annually. Coordinated, cross‑sector action is essential to advance fair access to health services and reduce health care costs.

Conference Format

• Keynote addresses
• Expert panels
• Moderated discussions
• Research and innovation presentations
• Cross‑sector networking
• Collaborative sessions focused on future partnerships and research priorities

 Strategic Impact

By convening leaders across research, health care, government, academia, industry, and community organizations, this conference establishes a national platform that advances NIH priorities in nutrition research and chronic disease prevention. It positions HBCUs as essential partners in developing innovative, evidence‑based Food Is Medicine solutions that strengthen communities nationwide.

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