Discover how nutrition professionals promote sustainable food systems, address health disparities, and advocate for food justice in the face of climate change.
The growing impacts of climate change have underscored an urgent truth: Health, food systems, and environmental justice are deeply interconnected.
To explore these vital connections, we sat down with Maureen Molinari, Ph.D., faculty at Saybrook University, whose expertise bridges nutrition, health, and sustainability. In our conversation, Dr. Molinari sheds light on how these interconnected factors impact food justice and climate change.Dr.Molinari emphasizes the importance of recognizing how our food choices affect not just individual health but also environmental sustainability and social equity.
Integrating these themes into programs in Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN), Saybrook equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the multifaceted challenges facing our food systems.
In these seven essential tips, learn more about the role nutrition professionals play in promoting sustainable practices and addressing health disparities—and how Saybrook prepares students to be catalysts for change in their communities.
Nutrition support leads to better health outcomes.
With a deep understanding of the relationship between food, physical health, and environmental factors, nutrition professionals are critical to our health.
“Nutrition professionals play a critical role in understanding the impact of nutrition on health and can work with clients in a person-centered manner,” Dr. Molinari says.
Research shows that nutrition support can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.
Despite playing such a vital role in public health, nutrition professionals are often undervalued within the health care system. Some patients don’t receive insurance coverage for nutrition consultations, preventing them from receiving valuable preventative care. Others are not aware of the value nutrition support can bring, making it important for health care professionals to highlight the benefits of working with a nutritionist.
Geography helps shape nutrition.
Where we live has a significant impact on our health and well-being. What health risks are we exposed to? Do we have access to clean air, safe water, and nutritious food? How easy is it to find a doctor or a specialist in our community?
Urban areas, especially those with limited access to fresh food, often face challenges such as food deserts and the high cost of nutritious options, contributing to higher rates of diet-related chronic diseases. In rural regions, barriers such as poor infrastructure and limited availability of affordable, healthy food exacerbate nutritional health disparities.
That’s why it’s important for nutritionists to take a holistic approach to health—factoring in the specific geographic and environmental factors shaping a patient’s experience. Nutritionists play a crucial role in addressing these environmental and social health challenges by helping individuals navigate the limitations of their environments.
Climate change is impacting local food systems.
Climate change poses a significant threat to food security and health outcomes, particularly for low-income and marginalized communities.
“Catastrophic events—such floods and fires—disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly where food is grown,” Dr. Molinari says.
The frequency of extreme weather events is increasing, impacting local food supplies. “These natural disasters can disrupt food systems, drive up prices, and exacerbate existing inequalities.” This disproportionate impact often forces these communities to rely on less nutritious, processed foods, leading to poor health outcomes and rising rates of diet-related diseases.
Nutrition professionals are making a difference in advancing climate and food justice by:
- Advocating for sustainable practices
- Educating patients about nutrition
- Collaborating with local organizations, including nonprofits and agriculture workers
- Helping communities understand the environmental impact
- Promoting policies that support equitable food systems
- Engaging in interdisciplinary initiatives that address broader social determinants of health
Food insecurity greatly impacts long-term health.
“Lack of access to nutritious foods can have long-term consequences for families and communities,” Dr. Molinari says. Extending well beyond hunger, the effects of food insecurity can lead to long-term health issues. So how can nutritionists and community members make a difference?
To prepare nutritionists for addressing food insecurity, Dr. Molinari weaves food justice throughout her Integrative Functional Nutrition courses. For example, in her Integrative Approaches to Chronic Disease course, she prompts students to consider a patient’s life circumstances during treatment—including food budget and access. “This approach equips future nutrition professionals to make informed referrals and connect clients with valuable resources,” she says.
Nutritionists play a vital role in combating food insecurity by:
- Collaborating with local organizations, food banks, and community centers to increase access to nutritious food
- Delivering literacy programs that teach others how to prepare healthy meals on a budget
- Educating patients and families about how to make healthier food choices with limited resources
- Advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as increased funding for food assistance programs and initiatives promoting living wages
Nutrition professionals are essential advocates.
Policy advocacy is another way nutritionists can make a difference.
“Real change happens when we address root causes, often through policy interventions,” Dr. Molinari says. “It’s essential to develop policies that create more resilient systems. Without this focus, efforts may only serve as temporary fixes rather than sustainable solutions.”
Many nutritionists work alongside local organizations to influence policies aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthy foods, supporting local agriculture, and addressing systemic issues contributing to food insecurity. This might include building or incentivizing grocery stores in underserved areas, creating farmers' markets, developing community gardens, or improving public transportation to connect residents with places that offer fresh and affordable food.
“Our experiences with patients can inform better practices and regulations,” Dr. Molinari says. This advocacy is essential for creating lasting change—particularly in marginalized communities.
Food choices come with an environmental cost.
According to Dr. Molinari, food choices matter, and the environmental impact of our food choices goes far beyond the kitchen table.
“The environmental costs of certain foods are critical to understand—for the public, but also for nutritionists,” Dr. Molinari says. On a larger scale, the resources required for food production—such as the extensive water use for certain crops, the distance food travels, or the land required for livestock—take an even greater toll on the environment.
“Educating the public on how to select sustainable products could make a real difference,” Dr. Molinari says. While it’s not always feasible, consumers can minimize these impacts by choosing local, seasonal foods, reducing both transportation costs and food spoilage.
Cultural responsibility is a key aspect of nutrition.
Culturally responsive practices are vital for nutrition professionals working to address food disparities.
Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds allows nutritionists to develop tailored interventions that resonate with the communities they serve. This includes recognizing cultural diets, food practices, and values, then incorporating them into nutrition education and advocacy efforts.
“We assess individual preferences, access, and health needs,” Dr. Molinari says. “This allows nutrition professionals to tailor our recommendations effectively.”
Ready to make a difference supporting food and climate justice?
Saybrook's Integrative Functional Nutrition programs are leading the way in nutrition education, preparing the next generation of nutrition professionals to care for vulnerable communities.
The M.S., Ph.D., and certificate programs in Integrative and Functional Nutrition offer a holistic understanding of nutrition’s role in environmental and social contexts. These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of nutrition science while emphasizing the broader socio-economic and environmental contexts in which food systems operate.
Saybrook’s approach fosters hands-on learning through community-based projects, allowing students to engage directly with local organizations to address food insecurity, conduct nutritional assessments, and develop sustainable food programs. This practical experience allows students to deepen their understanding of community needs while cultivating skills in advocacy.
