Joi Chevalier and Lindsey Schoenfeld, Food as Medicine

Food as Medicine: Bridging the Community-Wide Gap Between Medical Advice and Food

Program Intro:

Throughout central Texas and across the nation, Joi Chevalier and Lindsey Schoenfeld promote the concept that healthy food should be part of medical advice provided to clients, and access to that food should be readily available. In their work across community groups – from insurers to maternal health organizations – they are reaching underserved populations and medical providers in support of this movement.

Joi Chevalier combines her technology background with culinary arts as Founder & CEO of The Cook’s Nook. The Cook’s Nook's mission is to be the leading developer and distributor of fresh, nutritious and culturally relevant meals to address food insecurity and chronic disease. To do this, Joi designs programs that lead to improved health and economic outcomes by providing vulnerable populations access to quality nutrition with dignity and choice. Joi speaks regularly on ‘Food As Medicine’ including health equity in black, brown, and rural communities which is supported by Healthcare Program Sectors - Academic FIM studies, Hospital Systems, Benefit Providers and Payers.

Lindsey Schoenfeld is a registered dietitian nutritionist, chef, and certified health and wellbeing coach. She is a culinary expert known for connecting clients through community, creativity, and optimism. Recognizing the gap between nutrition education and practical application early in her career, she earned a culinary arts program diploma and embarked on a path including school food service and a business to teach basic culinary nutrition-focused culinary skills to women and children moving from homelessness to independent lives. Lindsey also uses her culinary nutrition expertise to develop recipes, videos, curricula and wellness publications. She presents hands-on nutrition workshops and cooking demonstrations across the US.