In an effort to shine a light on the health benefits of nutrient-dense foods, Produce for Kids is teaming up with Jessica DeLuise, PA-C, CCMS, a physician assistant, culinary medicine specialist and author of EatYourWayToWellness.com in the new series, Food Rx. The monthly series will include Instagram Live videos as well as blog posts and podcast episodes focusing on the role food plays in overall health.
In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control reported that one out of every five children was living with childhood obesity. Obesity as a child increases risk for bullying, depression, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, among other lifetime illnesses. Food Rx will be an avenue for families to better understand how to prevent becoming part of this statistic through nutrition education and recipe inspiration.
The first segment aired on the Produce for Kids Instagram on Sunday, July 14, where DeLuise shared kid-friendly recipe ideas and talked through the health benefits of each recipe. The series will embrace her philosophy that food is often the first line of defense in treating disease, this serious topic is delivered in a fun and easily digestible way. Produce for Kids currently has more than 60,000 followers on the social media platform.
“We recognize there are a lot of questions when it comes to looking to food as medicine and are excited to help answer some of those questions through Food Rx,” said Amanda Keefer, managing director at Produce for Kids. “It is our hope that we can gradually incorporate our many health-conscious brand partners into this initiative as a benefit to the health food and fresh produce industry.”
DeLuise has more than 10 years of clinical experience in both the inpatient and outpatient settings and is dedicated to helping individuals learn which foods are nutrient dense and can support their overall wellness. Her career has been built on the foundation that food can be utilized to treat and prevent disease as a first line therapy.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with Produce for Kids on Food Rx,” said DeLuise. “The digital audience that Produce for Kids has built is the perfect arena to share my learnings and deliver practical approaches to food and nutrition to families.”
