Part of the Food Policy Community Spotlight Series
Name: Foodicine Health, Inc.
What they do: Foodicine Health, Inc., was created by Harriet Diamond, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, an illness that is very sensitive to diet. She soon realized that, while there was some educational information available concerning the relationship between diet and disease prevention, there was almost nothing for people already diagnosed with an ailment requiring a special diet. As a result of her own experience, she developed a passion for helping the millions of people who could benefit from better education and care.
Foodicine Health promotes Educational, Advocacy, Training, and Motivational projects related to the various special diets that are part of the treatment for chronic health conditions-such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease and colitis, lactose intolerance, kidney disease, and food allergies-that affect millions of people worldwide. See all medical conditions and associated recommended diets here.
Foodicine Health is the only non-profit in the United States that is focused on 1) educating the public about the importance of adhering to the specific special meal programs that treat various chronic illnesses and food allergies and 2) educating restaurants, schools, airports, etc. about the importance of accommodating individuals who must follow a special diet. As such, it serves as a critical juncture in the relationship between food and the treatment of chronic health conditions.
The need to educate the public about the requirements of special diets to treat various medical conditions is necessary in order to allow people with special dietary needs to follow their prescribed meal plan in the course of their daily life.
How they do it: Foodicine Health provides educational programming and patient advocacy regarding the use of and access to foods needed for special meal plans (sugar-free, gluten-free, salt-free, lactose-free, nut-free, etc.) as part of the management of chronic illnesses and food allergies. These include:
- Educational programs to increase awareness in public places such as restaurants, supermarkets, public schools, colleges/universities, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and airports concerning the importance of accommodating people with chronic medical conditions that require adjusted eating plans so that they are able to access what they need.
- Motivational activities that support patients’ efforts to make the necessary lifestyle changes related to nutrition.
- Illustrating, via cooking events, that special diets can still include delicious food options. Click here to watch.
Mission: Foodicine Health’s mission is to develop and promote educational projects that increase awareness of healthy diets and meal plans that are part of the treatment for chronic health conditions and food allergies.
Latest project/campaign: Wallet cards printed with “Special Dietary Requirements” to take to restaurants, hotels, schools, etc. internationally.
Major Funding: Anonymous donors
Profit/nonprofit: Nonprofit
Annual Budget: $100,000
Interesting fact about how it is working to positively affect the food system: Foodicine Health matches Celebrity Chefs with Physicians and Dietitians to develop cooking demonstrations that inspire patients to stay on their prescribed special diet and also have fun cooking.
FACT SHEET:
Location:
1005 Boylston Street #336
Newton MA 02461
Core Programs:
-Nutritional education/advocacy with restaurants, airports, travel locations, schools and universities, supermarkets
-Presentations at Corporate Locations
-“Yes, You Can Eat” Chef+Dietitian Programs for Patients
Number of staff: 15
Number of volunteers: 20
Areas served: International
Year Started: 2014
Director: Harriet Diamond
Contact Information: Contact Form
