Artichokes - Zucchini: Solutions for "I Don't Eat Vegetables"

Diet-related chronic diseases and associated healthcare costs are growing at alarming rates in pediatric populations. Beyond medical diagnoses and the financial impact, American children are reaping the consequences of a broken food environment. Disease prevention, treatment and reversal is possible using Food as Medicine. RDNs can effectively work with children to significantly impact diet quality, food and nutrition security, health outcomes, healthcare utilization and costs. Interprofessional teams that include RDNs are positioned to ensure children and families have the opportunity to reach their potential and be active and empowered participants in their own health journey.

Suggested Performance Indicators: 

1.7.1, 2.1.6, 3.3.1, 4.3.1, 9.2.1 11.3.3, 13.1.1, 13.2.1

Learning Objectives:
1. Appraise the evidence supporting the benefits of a Food as Medicine, in promoting health and for the prevention, treatment and reversal of chronic diseases in children
2. Describe the role of RDNs as leaders in Food as Medicine interventions
3. Explain how RDNs can take a leadership role as part of the interprofessional healthcare team in educating and empowering patients to adopt healthy eating patterns

4. State examples of opportunities to introduce more whole, minimally processed plant foods into children’s diets as part of actionable FAM interventions

Speaker:

Melissa Bernstein, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, DipACLM, FACLM, FNAP is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutrition at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine. As an international speaker and educator, she is passionate about educating students and healthcare professionals on the importance of food as medicine for improving health outcomes and quality of life; for which she was recognized as one of Today’s Dietitians ‘Top 10 Dietitians Making a Difference’ in 2025. Dr. Bernstein has co-authored 6 nutrition textbooks, and has contributed, authored, and reviewed textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal publications. She participates on numerous advisory and review boards including the board of editors for the Nutrition Care Manual and the Primary Care Advisory Board for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and nutrition editor for the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. A former member of the Board of Directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr Bernstein continues to actively serve on several committees including as chair of the Education Committee and the Nutrition Messaging Task Force.

Perceived Conflict of Interest Include:

Textbook author with Jones and Bartlett Learning

Meryl Fury, MS, RN, has been a public health nurse for 30 years, specializing in leadership and supporting the health of vulnerable populations. She left patient care to follow her true calling in food as medicine. She holds certification in plant-based nutrition from eCornell and studies the use of whole plant foods for health. Meryl is Pres/CEO of Plant Based Nutrition Movementhttps://pbnm.org/, a 501(c)3 non-profit in the Chicagoland area. where the focus is educating our most at-risk populations about the lifesaving benefits of diet and nutrition. Meryl is a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies,and a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Food for Life Instructor. As a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, she is currently Secretary of the Health EquityAchieved through Lifestyle Medicine (HEAL) Initiative. Meryl founded and leads the 6 MillionSeeds Child Nutrition Project, co-founded More Plants on Plates USA, a Plant-Based SchoolLunch Project, and Culinary Medicine 4 Sickle Cell Warriors.A champion for children’s health, Meryl presents about nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine to groups all over the country shining light on and presenting solutions to the gross inadequacies in the way we feed children.

Updated November 2025