The 2025 conference theme, “The Power of Food,” will explore the transformative role food plays in health and well-being. Through nationally renowned speakers, hands-on cooking demonstrations, and immersive farm tours, we aim to inspire and educate healthcare professionals on the critical connection between nutrition and health.
Building on the success of last year’s launch and the valuable feedback from attendees, we are planning an even more integrated and impactful experience this year. Attendees will be able to participate in the educational sessions of the main Chef’s Conference with several sessions including a full day on Wednesday (June 11th) devoted to healthcare professionals.
This year, we are particularly excited about:
- Keynote presentations by:
- Dr. Julie Mennella from the Monell Center on taste sensory development and its importance in health.
- Dr. Roni Neff from Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future on ways to cut food systems waste to address sustainability of our planet
- A discussion on the gut-brain connection and its implications for health (speaker TBD).
- A presentation by Community Servings showcasing Food as Medicine initiatives in the Commonwealth.
- Cultural food demonstrations highlighting the use of herbs and spices.
Learning objectives include:
- Developing culinary skills that support the preparation of healthy foods for personal use and for patient care,
- Integrating evidence-based information from national nutrition guidelines, and scientific publications into patient care,
- Understanding how to educate patients about the connections between culturally specific dietary patterns, food systems and planetary health,
- Increasing awareness of how to refer patients to relevant local, state and federal food assistant programs, including food is medicine nutrition services to reduce food insecurity and improve health.
Cost for attending the full-three days (June 9-11) $650 for healthcare providers and $325 for students/community health workers. Day passes will be available at a cost of $199.
More event details and registration are forthcoming.