Join us on the final episode of this season, where Dr. Julia Olayanju shares a reflection on the future of food. This season has been a journey—one where we explored the powerful intersection of food, innovation, science, and community health. Together, we’ve heard from visionary leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates working tirelessly to reimagine our food systems and create healthier futures.

But as we wrap up the season, Dr. Julia Olayanju leaves everyone with a deep insight to ponder, and more importantly, an invitation to act.

Sponsor:

The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education

About Dr. Olayanju:

Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

In this special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a powerful conversation on Fueling Innovation & Access: Funding the Future of Food for Health.

Transforming food systems to support public health requires more than innovative ideas—it demands strategic investment. From sustainable food startups to community-based nutrition programs, access to funding is critical to scale solutions that improve health outcomes and promote equity.

To unpack this, we’ve brought together a dynamic panel of leaders from venture capital, philanthropy, public health, and food innovation. Joining me in this conversation are:

• Bunmi Olayanju, Care Center of New Jersey
  

• Laura Abda, Branch Venture
  

• Valeria Cobos, Plug and Play Ventures
  

• Marcia Hopper, Branch Venture
  

  Together, we’ll explore how strategic funding can accelerate change at the intersection of food, health, and equity.

Sponsor:

The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education

About Dr. Olayanju:

Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

This special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a vital conversation on The ROI of Preventive Nutrition: How Nutrition Education and Food-Based Interventions Can Reduce Long-Term Healthcare Costs.

As chronic diseases continue to drive up healthcare spending, evidence is mounting that investing in preventive nutrition delivers measurable returns. From school-based programs to clinical initiatives, nutrition education and food-centered interventions can reduce the burden of diet-related diseases, improve population health, and significantly lower long-term costs.

Joining me for this important discussion are:

• Dr. Joan Salge Blake, Boston University
  

• Funke Ajenikoko, Rockefeller Foundation
  

• Beth Machnica, Buffalo Medical Center
  

Together, we’ll explore how preventive nutrition is not just a public health strategy—it’s a smart economic investment in our collective future.

Sponsor:

The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education

About Dr. Olayanju:

Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/