Discuss the current realities of nutrition quality among children and adults in US communities, especially in low socio-economic status areas. Discuss the impact of nutrient-poor, calorie-rich, highly processed foods on growth, behavior, academic performance, and chronic disease risk. Discuss grassroots solutions to the issue, utilizing plant-based nutrition such that children, their parents/caregivers, and other adults see the value in improved nutrition quality and are empowered to create change.

Speakers

Samara Sterling, PhD, MSc, RD

Dr. Samara Sterling is a Nutrition Scientist and Research Director for The Peanut Institute. She has expertise in the use of plant-based nutrition for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. She also functions as a principal investigator and director for clinical nutrition and lifestyle interventions, examining strategies to improve health in at-risk communities. She regularly speaks for both national and international audiences and is passionate about translating science into consumer-friendly messages. She holds a bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University, a master's degree from Andrews University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Meryl Fury, MS, RN

Meryl Fury has been a public health nurse for 30 years, specializing in leadership and supporting the health of vulnerable populations. She climbed the ranks in Federally Qualified Health Centers before retiring to follow her true calling in food as medicine. She holds a certificate in plant-based nutrition from eCornell and the Center for Nutrition Studies. Meryl is President/CEO of Plant Based Nutrition Movement, a non-profit in the Chicagoland area where the focus is educating the most at-risk populations about the lifesaving benefits of whole plant foods. Meryl is on the Advisory Council for Plant Pure Communities, a member of the Board of Directors of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Food for Life Instructor, and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She regularly presents to groups seeking information on healthy eating patterns. Meryl founded and currently leads the 6 Million Seeds Child Nutrition Project and Podcast, an initiative to address the gross inadequacies in the way we feed children and to decrease the impact that the Standard American Diet has on the health of the planet.