Opening Fireside Chat: Food as Medicine and the Future of Workforce Health

Nutrition plays a powerful role in employee health, healthcare costs, and long-term workforce well-being. In this insightful discussion, public health expert Mani Keita Fakeye and Dr. Marc Watkins of Kroger Health examine how food access, nutrition security, and preventive health strategies intersect with employer priorities.

Blending data, real-world examples, and practical approaches, the speakers explore how organizations can move beyond reactive disease management toward proactive wellness strategies. Learn how food-as-medicine initiatives, personalized engagement, and accessible nutrition tools can help support healthier behaviors, improve outcomes, and manage costs across your workforce.

Key learning objectives:

• Understand the difference between food insecurity, nutrition insecurity, and food-as-medicine approaches — and why each matter for employee health and organizational costs.
• Explore practical strategies employers can use to promote preventive care, healthier behaviors, and accessible nutrition solutions across their workforce.
• Identify how personalized, behavior-focused wellness programs can reduce long-term healthcare costs while improving employee well-being and engagement.