please join me in welcoming Catherine
please join me in welcoming Catherine couch to the TEDx Sonoma County store
thank you guys so much for the warm
thank you guys so much for the warm welcome
welcome
welcome I’m excited to talk to you today about
I’m excited to talk to you today about
I’m excited to talk to you today about reimagining our healthcare system but
reimagining our healthcare system but
reimagining our healthcare system but the start story starts for me quite a
the start story starts for me quite a
the start story starts for me quite a while ago I became a vegetarian when I
while ago I became a vegetarian when I
while ago I became a vegetarian when I was 16 but really long interest in
was 16 but really long interest in
was 16 but really long interest in healthy eating ate my first organic
healthy eating ate my first organic
healthy eating ate my first organic produce at the Ann Arbor food co-op in
produce at the Ann Arbor food co-op in
produce at the Ann Arbor food co-op in the mid 70s like some of you I have a
the mid 70s like some of you I have a
the mid 70s like some of you I have a dog-eared copy of Frances Moore Lappe
dog-eared copy of Frances Moore Lappe
dog-eared copy of Frances Moore Lappe Hayes died for a small planet on my
Hayes died for a small planet on my
Hayes died for a small planet on my shelf that I still use and then in my
shelf that I still use and then in my
shelf that I still use and then in my 40s I started and ran a home delivered
40s I started and ran a home delivered
40s I started and ran a home delivered meals service here in Sonoma County
meals service here in Sonoma County
meals service here in Sonoma County called speranza from 1993 to 2003 and
called speranza from 1993 to 2003 and
called speranza from 1993 to 2003 and then in 2006 I got a phone call that
then in 2006 I got a phone call that
then in 2006 I got a phone call that changed my life my horseback-riding
changed my life my horseback-riding
changed my life my horseback-riding teacher called and she said to me my
teacher called and she said to me my
teacher called and she said to me my daughter Megan needs to get a job over
daughter Megan needs to get a job over
daughter Megan needs to get a job over the summer and I want her to learn how
the summer and I want her to learn how
the summer and I want her to learn how to cook and I want you to hire her so I
to cook and I want you to hire her so I
to cook and I want you to hire her so I had the same reaction you just did
had the same reaction you just did
had the same reaction you just did it’s I didn’t have a job opening for one
it’s I didn’t have a job opening for one
it’s I didn’t have a job opening for one thing but it’s hard to hire someone for
thing but it’s hard to hire someone for
thing but it’s hard to hire someone for a cooking job that doesn’t know how to
a cooking job that doesn’t know how to
a cooking job that doesn’t know how to use a knife that is a problem but this
use a knife that is a problem but this
use a knife that is a problem but this mom was pretty persistent and I did have
mom was pretty persistent and I did have
mom was pretty persistent and I did have a tendency to want to help and so a
a tendency to want to help and so a
a tendency to want to help and so a couple weeks later I remembered that a
couple weeks later I remembered that a
couple weeks later I remembered that a good friend of mine was helping a family
good friend of mine was helping a family
good friend of mine was helping a family in Sebastopol the mum was Stage four
in Sebastopol the mum was Stage four
in Sebastopol the mum was Stage four metastasized breast cancer and there
metastasized breast cancer and there
metastasized breast cancer and there were a couple of preteens in the family
were a couple of preteens in the family
were a couple of preteens in the family so I put a small project together that
so I put a small project together that
so I put a small project together that summer and one afternoon a week Megan
summer and one afternoon a week Megan
summer and one afternoon a week Megan and I got together and I taught her how
and I got together and I taught her how
and I got together and I taught her how to cook and we made meals for that
to cook and we made meals for that
to cook and we made meals for that family and for two other families that I
family and for two other families that I
family and for two other families that I had found who were also struggling
had found who were also struggling
had found who were also struggling because of a health crisis the first day
because of a health crisis the first day
because of a health crisis the first day that Megan and I cooked together the dad
that Megan and I cooked together the dad
that Megan and I cooked together the dad in this family stopped to pick up the
in this family stopped to pick up the
in this family stopped to pick up the meals it happened to be on his way home
meals it happened to be on his way home
meals it happened to be on his way home from work and I had never met him either
from work and I had never met him either
from work and I had never met him either so I introduced myself and I introduced
so I introduced myself and I introduced
so I introduced myself and I introduced Megan and I was just making small talk I
Megan and I was just making small talk I
Megan and I was just making small talk I started sharing what we had
started sharing what we had
started sharing what we had for them and what I know now is in that
for them and what I know now is in that
for them and what I know now is in that family everyone is terrified and the
family everyone is terrified and the
family everyone is terrified and the parent who’s well has this enormous
parent who’s well has this enormous
parent who’s well has this enormous burden he was not only working full time
burden he was not only working full time
burden he was not only working full time he was also caretaking for his wife and
he was also caretaking for his wife and
he was also caretaking for his wife and trying to keep some semblance of
trying to keep some semblance of
trying to keep some semblance of normalcy for the children in that family
normalcy for the children in that family
normalcy for the children in that family and as I was talking you could see the
and as I was talking you could see the
and as I was talking you could see the utter relief in his whole being that
utter relief in his whole being that
utter relief in his whole being that someone was even providing this tiny bit
someone was even providing this tiny bit
someone was even providing this tiny bit of support for them and in that moment I
of support for them and in that moment I
of support for them and in that moment I glanced over at Megan and she was about
glanced over at Megan and she was about
glanced over at Megan and she was about six inches taller it came and went the
six inches taller it came and went the
six inches taller it came and went the moment came and went but three weeks
moment came and went but three weeks
moment came and went but three weeks later I woke up at 6:30 in the morning
later I woke up at 6:30 in the morning
later I woke up at 6:30 in the morning with a vision for what has become series
with a vision for what has become series
with a vision for what has become series community project teens just like Megan
community project teens just like Megan
community project teens just like Megan would come into the kitchen and learn
would come into the kitchen and learn
would come into the kitchen and learn about cooking and eating healthy food
about cooking and eating healthy food
about cooking and eating healthy food and the meals they made would go to
and the meals they made would go to
and the meals they made would go to families in our community who were
families in our community who were
families in our community who were struggling because of a health crisis
struggling because of a health crisis
struggling because of a health crisis just like that family with the mom who
just like that family with the mom who
just like that family with the mom who had Stage four metastasized breast
had Stage four metastasized breast
had Stage four metastasized breast cancer it seems like such a simple idea
cancer it seems like such a simple idea
cancer it seems like such a simple idea so over the last 12 years about 4,000
so over the last 12 years about 4,000
so over the last 12 years about 4,000 families have benefited from our work
families have benefited from our work
families have benefited from our work here in Sonoma County and also Marin and
here in Sonoma County and also Marin and
here in Sonoma County and also Marin and about 3,000 young people have been
about 3,000 young people have been
about 3,000 young people have been become part of the program and what I’ve
become part of the program and what I’ve
become part of the program and what I’ve learned is that most of the clients that
learned is that most of the clients that
learned is that most of the clients that we serve would never have had healthy
we serve would never have had healthy
we serve would never have had healthy food to eat without us there’s a whole
food to eat without us there’s a whole
food to eat without us there’s a whole host of reasons many of them live alone
host of reasons many of them live alone
host of reasons many of them live alone without a support system they’re too
without a support system they’re too
without a support system they’re too sick to shop and cook and most of them
sick to shop and cook and most of them
sick to shop and cook and most of them are poor and that makes a difference
are poor and that makes a difference
are poor and that makes a difference over the last 12 years I’ve learned a
over the last 12 years I’ve learned a
over the last 12 years I’ve learned a lot about the difference that healthy
lot about the difference that healthy
lot about the difference that healthy food can make for people like our
food can make for people like our
food can make for people like our clients I’m gonna talk about some of the
clients I’m gonna talk about some of the
clients I’m gonna talk about some of the numbers and while I do I hope you’ll
numbers and while I do I hope you’ll
numbers and while I do I hope you’ll keep these faces in your mind because
keep these faces in your mind because
keep these faces in your mind because these are about real people 42 million
these are about real people 42 million
these are about real people 42 million Americans are food insecure and that
Americans are food insecure and that
Americans are food insecure and that includes 13 million children food
includes 13 million children food
includes 13 million children food insecurity means that people people
insecurity means that people people
insecurity means that people people don’t have enough to eat they don’t have
don’t have enough to eat they don’t have
don’t have enough to eat they don’t have enough good food to eat and that makes
enough good food to eat and that makes
enough good food to eat and that makes them sick and in fact it’s costing us 77
them sick and in fact it’s costing us 77
them sick and in fact it’s costing us 77 billion dollars a year in unnecessary
billion dollars a year in unnecessary
billion dollars a year in unnecessary health care costs and sixty percent of
health care costs and sixty percent of
health care costs and sixty percent of deaths in the u.s. now one of the
deaths in the u.s. now one of the
deaths in the u.s. now one of the wealthiest countries in the world
wealthiest countries in the world
wealthiest countries in the world are related to poor diets I mean just
are related to poor diets I mean just
are related to poor diets I mean just stop and think about that I was talking
stop and think about that I was talking
stop and think about that I was talking to someone at my gym this morning and
to someone at my gym this morning and
to someone at my gym this morning and she said 60% and I said yes 60% 60% of
she said 60% and I said yes 60% 60% of
she said 60% and I said yes 60% 60% of deaths in the u.s. are related to poor
deaths in the u.s. are related to poor
deaths in the u.s. are related to poor diets we are simply eating ourselves
diets we are simply eating ourselves
diets we are simply eating ourselves sick and the other thing we’re doing is
sick and the other thing we’re doing is
sick and the other thing we’re doing is we’re radically under investing in food
we’re radically under investing in food
we’re radically under investing in food if you think about school lunch you
if you think about school lunch you
if you think about school lunch you think about the older Americans Act do
think about the older Americans Act do
think about the older Americans Act do you think about WIC you think about food
you think about WIC you think about food
you think about WIC you think about food stamps
stamps
stamps we’re radically under investing in those
we’re radically under investing in those
we’re radically under investing in those programs and this is what this is what’s
programs and this is what this is what’s
programs and this is what this is what’s happening now the good news is oh
happening now the good news is oh
happening now the good news is oh there’s one other thing that I want to
there’s one other thing that I want to
there’s one other thing that I want to share the other thing that’s really
share the other thing that’s really
share the other thing that’s really interesting is only 10% of our health
interesting is only 10% of our health
interesting is only 10% of our health outcomes are related to what happens in
outcomes are related to what happens in
outcomes are related to what happens in the doctor’s office or the treatments
the doctor’s office or the treatments
the doctor’s office or the treatments that your doctor can prescribe for you
that your doctor can prescribe for you
that your doctor can prescribe for you that’s the same amount as our genetics
that’s the same amount as our genetics
that’s the same amount as our genetics 30% are related to the choices you and I
30% are related to the choices you and I
30% are related to the choices you and I make every day the good news and the bad
make every day the good news and the bad
make every day the good news and the bad news the good the the choices that we
news the good the the choices that we
news the good the the choices that we make every day in our own lives in our
make every day in our own lives in our
make every day in our own lives in our day to day lives but more importantly
day to day lives but more importantly
day to day lives but more importantly 40% are the social determinants that
40% are the social determinants that
40% are the social determinants that limit and constrain those choices for
limit and constrain those choices for
limit and constrain those choices for those 42 million Americans who are food
those 42 million Americans who are food
those 42 million Americans who are food insecure and many others so that’s
insecure and many others so that’s
insecure and many others so that’s pretty astonishing the good news is
pretty astonishing the good news is
pretty astonishing the good news is there’s a quiet revolution happening
there’s a quiet revolution happening
there’s a quiet revolution happening around the country really looking at
around the country really looking at
around the country really looking at challenging the idea of what healthcare
challenging the idea of what healthcare
challenging the idea of what healthcare should pay for and should prescribe and
should pay for and should prescribe and
should pay for and should prescribe and pay for and though the field is really
pay for and though the field is really
pay for and though the field is really being led by a coalition called the food
being led by a coalition called the food
being led by a coalition called the food as medicine coalition so these are
as medicine coalition so these are
as medicine coalition so these are agencies who provide medically tailored
agencies who provide medically tailored
agencies who provide medically tailored meals to people who are dealing with
meals to people who are dealing with
meals to people who are dealing with serious illnesses they began during the
serious illnesses they began during the
serious illnesses they began during the AIDS epidemic in the mid 80s and they
AIDS epidemic in the mid 80s and they
AIDS epidemic in the mid 80s and they have 30 to 35 years of experience now
have 30 to 35 years of experience now
have 30 to 35 years of experience now providing meals to that population and
providing meals to that population and
providing meals to that population and series is really proud to be a member of
series is really proud to be a member of
series is really proud to be a member of that group and over the last five or six
that group and over the last five or six
that group and over the last five or six years that group has started to do
years that group has started to do
years that group has started to do significant research studies on the
significant research studies on the
significant research studies on the difference that it makes when people get
difference that it makes when people get
difference that it makes when people get get food so it’s not rocket science
get food so it’s not rocket science
get food so it’s not rocket science right when people have quality food as
right when people have quality food as
right when people have quality food as part of their treatment they feel better
part of their treatment they feel better
part of their treatment they feel better and they
and they
and they do better and what that means is they’re
do better and what that means is they’re
do better and what that means is they’re less likely to end up in the emergency
less likely to end up in the emergency
less likely to end up in the emergency department they’re less likely to be
rehospitalization and all that saves
rehospitalization and all that saves money on the healthcare side what we’re
money on the healthcare side what we’re
money on the healthcare side what we’re finding is somewhere around 16 to 20
finding is somewhere around 16 to 20
finding is somewhere around 16 to 20 percent net savings in the healthcare
percent net savings in the healthcare
percent net savings in the healthcare field now we’re taking that research to
field now we’re taking that research to
field now we’re taking that research to the next level here in California and
the next level here in California and
the next level here in California and thanks to the California Legislature
thanks to the California Legislature
thanks to the California Legislature we’ve just been awarded in last year six
we’ve just been awarded in last year six
we’ve just been awarded in last year six million dollars to conduct a three-year
million dollars to conduct a three-year
million dollars to conduct a three-year research study with medical patients who
research study with medical patients who
research study with medical patients who have congestive heart failure so series
have congestive heart failure so series
have congestive heart failure so series and five other agencies across the state
and five other agencies across the state
and five other agencies across the state from San Diego all the way up to Sonoma
from San Diego all the way up to Sonoma
from San Diego all the way up to Sonoma County are part of that study over the
County are part of that study over the
County are part of that study over the next three years we’re going to be
next three years we’re going to be
next three years we’re going to be providing a thousand medical patients
providing a thousand medical patients
providing a thousand medical patients with 12 weeks of home delivered meals
with 12 weeks of home delivered meals
with 12 weeks of home delivered meals and four visits with a registered
and four visits with a registered
and four visits with a registered dietician and we’ll be measuring the
dietician and we’ll be measuring the
dietician and we’ll be measuring the impact of that on their health outcomes
impact of that on their health outcomes
impact of that on their health outcomes and comparing that to 4,000 similar
and comparing that to 4,000 similar
and comparing that to 4,000 similar patients so unfortunately in order to
patients so unfortunately in order to
patients so unfortunately in order to change policy we have to show that
change policy we have to show that
change policy we have to show that there’s cost savings and so it really in
there’s cost savings and so it really in
there’s cost savings and so it really in some ways that comes down to the numbers
some ways that comes down to the numbers
some ways that comes down to the numbers so remember we said 16 percent net
so remember we said 16 percent net
so remember we said 16 percent net savings in the studies that have been
savings in the studies that have been
savings in the studies that have been done so far here’s just a very
done so far here’s just a very
done so far here’s just a very conservative estimate of what this might
conservative estimate of what this might
conservative estimate of what this might mean in California so if we can save
mean in California so if we can save
mean in California so if we can save just 5% net savings on the healthcare
just 5% net savings on the healthcare
just 5% net savings on the healthcare cost side when you translate that across
cost side when you translate that across
cost side when you translate that across 57,000 hospitalizations for heart
57,000 hospitalizations for heart
57,000 hospitalizations for heart disease in California you’re talking
disease in California you’re talking
disease in California you’re talking about almost a hundred million dollars a
about almost a hundred million dollars a
about almost a hundred million dollars a year in cost savings but like I said
year in cost savings but like I said
year in cost savings but like I said this isn’t about the dollars this is
this isn’t about the dollars this is
this isn’t about the dollars this is about real people and I’m really excited
about real people and I’m really excited
about real people and I’m really excited to share a very short video of Candace
to share a very short video of Candace
to share a very short video of Candace and I I want to thank Candace for being
and I I want to thank Candace for being
and I I want to thank Candace for being willing to be interviewed that’s a
willing to be interviewed that’s a
willing to be interviewed that’s a really hard thing for someone in her
really hard thing for someone in her
really hard thing for someone in her situation to do and I also want to thank
situation to do and I also want to thank
situation to do and I also want to thank project angel food in LA our colleague
project angel food in LA our colleague
project angel food in LA our colleague organization who served Candace we don’t
organization who served Candace we don’t
organization who served Candace we don’t a really tough struggle for my life for
a really tough struggle for my life for
a really tough struggle for my life for the last five years
the last five years
the last five years I’ve dealt with amputation I’m having
I’ve dealt with amputation I’m having
I’ve dealt with amputation I’m having really bad battles with infection
really bad battles with infection
really bad battles with infection congestive heart failure for me was like
congestive heart failure for me was like
congestive heart failure for me was like I couldn’t breathe I couldn’t lay down
I couldn’t breathe I couldn’t lay down
I couldn’t breathe I couldn’t lay down flat and breathe without feeling like I
flat and breathe without feeling like I
flat and breathe without feeling like I was like drowning my legs were extremely
was like drowning my legs were extremely
was like drowning my legs were extremely heavy just tired it was very scary
heavy just tired it was very scary
heavy just tired it was very scary because I didn’t I wasn’t sure what was
because I didn’t I wasn’t sure what was
because I didn’t I wasn’t sure what was going on
going on
going on basically the doctor told me your heart
basically the doctor told me your heart
basically the doctor told me your heart is failing and there’s fluid backed up
is failing and there’s fluid backed up
is failing and there’s fluid backed up in your body the first time I was
in your body the first time I was
in your body the first time I was hospitalized for about seven days for a
hospitalized for about seven days for a
hospitalized for about seven days for a while yeah it was weeks at a time and
while yeah it was weeks at a time and
while yeah it was weeks at a time and then I would come home and I would need
then I would come home and I would need
then I would come home and I would need in home nurses and things because I
in home nurses and things because I
in home nurses and things because I always had like PICC lines I mean I have
always had like PICC lines I mean I have
always had like PICC lines I mean I have a lot of scars you can see from having
a lot of scars you can see from having
a lot of scars you can see from having tubes inserted here and there and PICC
tubes inserted here and there and PICC
tubes inserted here and there and PICC lines and tunnels and things just trying
lines and tunnels and things just trying
lines and tunnels and things just trying to keep myself alive my family everybody
to keep myself alive my family everybody
to keep myself alive my family everybody works
works
works everybody’s got kids everybody’s got
everybody’s got kids everybody’s got
everybody’s got kids everybody’s got something to do and it seemed like every
something to do and it seemed like every
something to do and it seemed like every time I would get sick my family would
time I would get sick my family would
time I would get sick my family would have to stop what they were doing and
have to stop what they were doing and
have to stop what they were doing and rearrange their lives just to be able to
rearrange their lives just to be able to
rearrange their lives just to be able to be there for the kids or me it’s been
be there for the kids or me it’s been
be there for the kids or me it’s been about a month now no hospital because I
about a month now no hospital because I
about a month now no hospital because I only eat what they give me and so far
only eat what they give me and so far
only eat what they give me and so far I’ve been out of the hospital I have
I’ve been out of the hospital I have
I’ve been out of the hospital I have never eaten in excess fluid I’ve been
never eaten in excess fluid I’ve been
never eaten in excess fluid I’ve been dropping weight you know it’s working it
dropping weight you know it’s working it
dropping weight you know it’s working it works it really works
works it really works
works it really works so Candace is just one of the many
so Candace is just one of the many
so Candace is just one of the many patients that we’ve served so far in
patients that we’ve served so far in
patients that we’ve served so far in this study and I just think it’s really
this study and I just think it’s really
this study and I just think it’s really important to think about what her life
important to think about what her life
important to think about what her life is like and what her life has been like
is like and what her life has been like
is like and what her life has been like and even being able to see the
and even being able to see the
and even being able to see the difference in how she looks from having
difference in how she looks from having
difference in how she looks from having gotten this food clearly Candace is
gotten this food clearly Candace is
gotten this food clearly Candace is already really sick and one of the
already really sick and one of the
already really sick and one of the things we’re also learning is that food
things we’re also learning is that food
things we’re also learning is that food can make a big difference even earlier
can make a big difference even earlier
can make a big difference even earlier along what we call the prevention
along what we call the prevention
along what we call the prevention treatment continuum so this is a
treatment continuum so this is a
treatment continuum so this is a statistic I learned a couple weeks ago
statistic I learned a couple weeks ago
statistic I learned a couple weeks ago that is just kind of blowing my mind
that is just kind of blowing my mind
that is just kind of blowing my mind so among Medicaid patients they are 27
so among Medicaid patients they are 27
so among Medicaid patients they are 27 percent more likely to go to the
percent more likely to go to the
percent more likely to go to the emergency department the last week of
emergency department the last week of
emergency department the last week of the month can you figure out why they
the month can you figure out why they
the month can you figure out why they run out of food and they skip meals and
run out of food and they skip meals and
run out of food and they skip meals and many of them are diabetic or
many of them are diabetic or
many of them are diabetic or pre-diabetic and they end up in the
pre-diabetic and they end up in the
pre-diabetic and they end up in the the emergency department the good news
the emergency department the good news
the emergency department the good news is that there’s already some work being
is that there’s already some work being
is that there’s already some work being done to look at a food insecurity
done to look at a food insecurity
done to look at a food insecurity intervention for that so there’s a lot
intervention for that so there’s a lot
intervention for that so there’s a lot happening in the healthcare field around
happening in the healthcare field around
happening in the healthcare field around this so back to those faces and back to
this so back to those faces and back to
this so back to those faces and back to Ceres the truth is that nonprofit
Ceres the truth is that nonprofit
Ceres the truth is that nonprofit organizations like us will never be able
organizations like us will never be able
organizations like us will never be able to raise enough money to feed everyone
to raise enough money to feed everyone
to raise enough money to feed everyone who needs it to provide this kind of
who needs it to provide this kind of
who needs it to provide this kind of support in order to do that we have to
support in order to do that we have to
support in order to do that we have to change policy we know from our clients
change policy we know from our clients
change policy we know from our clients that a meal prepared with love is one of
that a meal prepared with love is one of
that a meal prepared with love is one of the most powerful ways we can show that
the most powerful ways we can show that
the most powerful ways we can show that we care and and it’s you know delivering
we care and and it’s you know delivering
we care and and it’s you know delivering a meal it’s real and it’s tangible and
a meal it’s real and it’s tangible and
a meal it’s real and it’s tangible and that’s the easy thing to do policy seems
that’s the easy thing to do policy seems
that’s the easy thing to do policy seems like something abstract but my
like something abstract but my
like something abstract but my realization is that policy is how we put
realization is that policy is how we put
realization is that policy is how we put our values into action policy is how we
our values into action policy is how we
our values into action policy is how we make those meals available to people
make those meals available to people
make those meals available to people like Candice and to people across the
like Candice and to people across the
like Candice and to people across the state so the research is mounting
state so the research is mounting
state so the research is mounting there’s clearly enough data now to say
there’s clearly enough data now to say
there’s clearly enough data now to say that this is something that we should be
that this is something that we should be
that this is something that we should be doing but it’s going to take all of us
doing but it’s going to take all of us
doing but it’s going to take all of us raising our voices you know talk to your
raising our voices you know talk to your
raising our voices you know talk to your you now know about this so share it with
you now know about this so share it with
you now know about this so share it with your doctor share it with your insurance
your doctor share it with your insurance
your doctor share it with your insurance company share it with your legislators
company share it with your legislators
company share it with your legislators together if we can raise our voices we
together if we can raise our voices we
together if we can raise our voices we can change policies so that food becomes
can change policies so that food becomes
can change policies so that food becomes available to everyone when they when
available to everyone when they when
available to everyone when they when they need it most and we can truly
they need it most and we can truly
they need it most and we can truly reimagine our healthcare system thank
reimagine our healthcare system thank
reimagine our healthcare system thank you so much
you so much
you so much [Applause]
please join me in welcoming Catherine couch to the TEDx Sonoma County store
thank you guys so much for the warm
thank you guys so much for the warm welcome
welcome
welcome I’m excited to talk to you today about
I’m excited to talk to you today about
I’m excited to talk to you today about reimagining our healthcare system but
reimagining our healthcare system but
reimagining our healthcare system but the start story starts for me quite a
the start story starts for me quite a
the start story starts for me quite a while ago I became a vegetarian when I
while ago I became a vegetarian when I
while ago I became a vegetarian when I was 16 but really long interest in
was 16 but really long interest in
was 16 but really long interest in healthy eating ate my first organic
healthy eating ate my first organic
healthy eating ate my first organic produce at the Ann Arbor food co-op in
produce at the Ann Arbor food co-op in
produce at the Ann Arbor food co-op in the mid 70s like some of you I have a
the mid 70s like some of you I have a
the mid 70s like some of you I have a dog-eared copy of Frances Moore Lappe
dog-eared copy of Frances Moore Lappe
dog-eared copy of Frances Moore Lappe Hayes died for a small planet on my
Hayes died for a small planet on my
Hayes died for a small planet on my shelf that I still use and then in my
shelf that I still use and then in my
shelf that I still use and then in my 40s I started and ran a home delivered
40s I started and ran a home delivered
40s I started and ran a home delivered meals service here in Sonoma County
meals service here in Sonoma County
meals service here in Sonoma County called speranza from 1993 to 2003 and
called speranza from 1993 to 2003 and
called speranza from 1993 to 2003 and then in 2006 I got a phone call that
then in 2006 I got a phone call that
then in 2006 I got a phone call that changed my life my horseback-riding
changed my life my horseback-riding
changed my life my horseback-riding teacher called and she said to me my
teacher called and she said to me my
teacher called and she said to me my daughter Megan needs to get a job over
daughter Megan needs to get a job over
daughter Megan needs to get a job over the summer and I want her to learn how
the summer and I want her to learn how
the summer and I want her to learn how to cook and I want you to hire her so I
to cook and I want you to hire her so I
to cook and I want you to hire her so I had the same reaction you just did
had the same reaction you just did
had the same reaction you just did it’s I didn’t have a job opening for one
it’s I didn’t have a job opening for one
it’s I didn’t have a job opening for one thing but it’s hard to hire someone for
thing but it’s hard to hire someone for
thing but it’s hard to hire someone for a cooking job that doesn’t know how to
a cooking job that doesn’t know how to
a cooking job that doesn’t know how to use a knife that is a problem but this
use a knife that is a problem but this
use a knife that is a problem but this mom was pretty persistent and I did have
mom was pretty persistent and I did have
mom was pretty persistent and I did have a tendency to want to help and so a
a tendency to want to help and so a
a tendency to want to help and so a couple weeks later I remembered that a
couple weeks later I remembered that a
couple weeks later I remembered that a good friend of mine was helping a family
good friend of mine was helping a family
good friend of mine was helping a family in Sebastopol the mum was Stage four
in Sebastopol the mum was Stage four
in Sebastopol the mum was Stage four metastasized breast cancer and there
metastasized breast cancer and there
metastasized breast cancer and there were a couple of preteens in the family
were a couple of preteens in the family
were a couple of preteens in the family so I put a small project together that
so I put a small project together that
so I put a small project together that summer and one afternoon a week Megan
summer and one afternoon a week Megan
summer and one afternoon a week Megan and I got together and I taught her how
and I got together and I taught her how
and I got together and I taught her how to cook and we made meals for that
to cook and we made meals for that
to cook and we made meals for that family and for two other families that I
family and for two other families that I
family and for two other families that I had found who were also struggling
had found who were also struggling
had found who were also struggling because of a health crisis the first day
because of a health crisis the first day
because of a health crisis the first day that Megan and I cooked together the dad
that Megan and I cooked together the dad
that Megan and I cooked together the dad in this family stopped to pick up the
in this family stopped to pick up the
in this family stopped to pick up the meals it happened to be on his way home
meals it happened to be on his way home
meals it happened to be on his way home from work and I had never met him either
from work and I had never met him either
from work and I had never met him either so I introduced myself and I introduced
so I introduced myself and I introduced
so I introduced myself and I introduced Megan and I was just making small talk I
Megan and I was just making small talk I
Megan and I was just making small talk I started sharing what we had
started sharing what we had
started sharing what we had for them and what I know now is in that
for them and what I know now is in that
for them and what I know now is in that family everyone is terrified and the
family everyone is terrified and the
family everyone is terrified and the parent who’s well has this enormous
parent who’s well has this enormous
parent who’s well has this enormous burden he was not only working full time
burden he was not only working full time
burden he was not only working full time he was also caretaking for his wife and
he was also caretaking for his wife and
he was also caretaking for his wife and trying to keep some semblance of
trying to keep some semblance of
trying to keep some semblance of normalcy for the children in that family
normalcy for the children in that family
normalcy for the children in that family and as I was talking you could see the
and as I was talking you could see the
and as I was talking you could see the utter relief in his whole being that
utter relief in his whole being that
utter relief in his whole being that someone was even providing this tiny bit
someone was even providing this tiny bit
someone was even providing this tiny bit of support for them and in that moment I
of support for them and in that moment I
of support for them and in that moment I glanced over at Megan and she was about
glanced over at Megan and she was about
glanced over at Megan and she was about six inches taller it came and went the
six inches taller it came and went the
six inches taller it came and went the moment came and went but three weeks
moment came and went but three weeks
moment came and went but three weeks later I woke up at 6:30 in the morning
later I woke up at 6:30 in the morning
later I woke up at 6:30 in the morning with a vision for what has become series
with a vision for what has become series
with a vision for what has become series community project teens just like Megan
community project teens just like Megan
community project teens just like Megan would come into the kitchen and learn
would come into the kitchen and learn
would come into the kitchen and learn about cooking and eating healthy food
about cooking and eating healthy food
about cooking and eating healthy food and the meals they made would go to
and the meals they made would go to
and the meals they made would go to families in our community who were
families in our community who were
families in our community who were struggling because of a health crisis
struggling because of a health crisis
struggling because of a health crisis just like that family with the mom who
just like that family with the mom who
just like that family with the mom who had Stage four metastasized breast
had Stage four metastasized breast
had Stage four metastasized breast cancer it seems like such a simple idea
cancer it seems like such a simple idea
cancer it seems like such a simple idea so over the last 12 years about 4,000
so over the last 12 years about 4,000
so over the last 12 years about 4,000 families have benefited from our work
families have benefited from our work
families have benefited from our work here in Sonoma County and also Marin and
here in Sonoma County and also Marin and
here in Sonoma County and also Marin and about 3,000 young people have been
about 3,000 young people have been
about 3,000 young people have been become part of the program and what I’ve
become part of the program and what I’ve
become part of the program and what I’ve learned is that most of the clients that
learned is that most of the clients that
learned is that most of the clients that we serve would never have had healthy
we serve would never have had healthy
we serve would never have had healthy food to eat without us there’s a whole
food to eat without us there’s a whole
food to eat without us there’s a whole host of reasons many of them live alone
host of reasons many of them live alone
host of reasons many of them live alone without a support system they’re too
without a support system they’re too
without a support system they’re too sick to shop and cook and most of them
sick to shop and cook and most of them
sick to shop and cook and most of them are poor and that makes a difference
are poor and that makes a difference
are poor and that makes a difference over the last 12 years I’ve learned a
over the last 12 years I’ve learned a
over the last 12 years I’ve learned a lot about the difference that healthy
lot about the difference that healthy
lot about the difference that healthy food can make for people like our
food can make for people like our
food can make for people like our clients I’m gonna talk about some of the
clients I’m gonna talk about some of the
clients I’m gonna talk about some of the numbers and while I do I hope you’ll
numbers and while I do I hope you’ll
numbers and while I do I hope you’ll keep these faces in your mind because
keep these faces in your mind because
keep these faces in your mind because these are about real people 42 million
these are about real people 42 million
these are about real people 42 million Americans are food insecure and that
Americans are food insecure and that
Americans are food insecure and that includes 13 million children food
includes 13 million children food
includes 13 million children food insecurity means that people people
insecurity means that people people
insecurity means that people people don’t have enough to eat they don’t have
don’t have enough to eat they don’t have
don’t have enough to eat they don’t have enough good food to eat and that makes
enough good food to eat and that makes
enough good food to eat and that makes them sick and in fact it’s costing us 77
them sick and in fact it’s costing us 77
them sick and in fact it’s costing us 77 billion dollars a year in unnecessary
billion dollars a year in unnecessary
billion dollars a year in unnecessary health care costs and sixty percent of
health care costs and sixty percent of
health care costs and sixty percent of deaths in the u.s. now one of the
deaths in the u.s. now one of the
deaths in the u.s. now one of the wealthiest countries in the world
wealthiest countries in the world
wealthiest countries in the world are related to poor diets I mean just
are related to poor diets I mean just
are related to poor diets I mean just stop and think about that I was talking
stop and think about that I was talking
stop and think about that I was talking to someone at my gym this morning and
to someone at my gym this morning and
to someone at my gym this morning and she said 60% and I said yes 60% 60% of
she said 60% and I said yes 60% 60% of
she said 60% and I said yes 60% 60% of deaths in the u.s. are related to poor
deaths in the u.s. are related to poor
deaths in the u.s. are related to poor diets we are simply eating ourselves
diets we are simply eating ourselves
diets we are simply eating ourselves sick and the other thing we’re doing is
sick and the other thing we’re doing is
sick and the other thing we’re doing is we’re radically under investing in food
we’re radically under investing in food
we’re radically under investing in food if you think about school lunch you
if you think about school lunch you
if you think about school lunch you think about the older Americans Act do
think about the older Americans Act do
think about the older Americans Act do you think about WIC you think about food
you think about WIC you think about food
you think about WIC you think about food stamps
stamps
stamps we’re radically under investing in those
we’re radically under investing in those
we’re radically under investing in those programs and this is what this is what’s
programs and this is what this is what’s
programs and this is what this is what’s happening now the good news is oh
happening now the good news is oh
happening now the good news is oh there’s one other thing that I want to
there’s one other thing that I want to
there’s one other thing that I want to share the other thing that’s really
share the other thing that’s really
share the other thing that’s really interesting is only 10% of our health
interesting is only 10% of our health
interesting is only 10% of our health outcomes are related to what happens in
outcomes are related to what happens in
outcomes are related to what happens in the doctor’s office or the treatments
the doctor’s office or the treatments
the doctor’s office or the treatments that your doctor can prescribe for you
that your doctor can prescribe for you
that your doctor can prescribe for you that’s the same amount as our genetics
that’s the same amount as our genetics
that’s the same amount as our genetics 30% are related to the choices you and I
30% are related to the choices you and I
30% are related to the choices you and I make every day the good news and the bad
make every day the good news and the bad
make every day the good news and the bad news the good the the choices that we
news the good the the choices that we
news the good the the choices that we make every day in our own lives in our
make every day in our own lives in our
make every day in our own lives in our day to day lives but more importantly
day to day lives but more importantly
day to day lives but more importantly 40% are the social determinants that
40% are the social determinants that
40% are the social determinants that limit and constrain those choices for
limit and constrain those choices for
limit and constrain those choices for those 42 million Americans who are food
those 42 million Americans who are food
those 42 million Americans who are food insecure and many others so that’s
insecure and many others so that’s
insecure and many others so that’s pretty astonishing the good news is
pretty astonishing the good news is
pretty astonishing the good news is there’s a quiet revolution happening
there’s a quiet revolution happening
there’s a quiet revolution happening around the country really looking at
around the country really looking at
around the country really looking at challenging the idea of what healthcare
challenging the idea of what healthcare
challenging the idea of what healthcare should pay for and should prescribe and
should pay for and should prescribe and
should pay for and should prescribe and pay for and though the field is really
pay for and though the field is really
pay for and though the field is really being led by a coalition called the food
being led by a coalition called the food
being led by a coalition called the food as medicine coalition so these are
as medicine coalition so these are
as medicine coalition so these are agencies who provide medically tailored
agencies who provide medically tailored
agencies who provide medically tailored meals to people who are dealing with
meals to people who are dealing with
meals to people who are dealing with serious illnesses they began during the
serious illnesses they began during the
serious illnesses they began during the AIDS epidemic in the mid 80s and they
AIDS epidemic in the mid 80s and they
AIDS epidemic in the mid 80s and they have 30 to 35 years of experience now
have 30 to 35 years of experience now
have 30 to 35 years of experience now providing meals to that population and
providing meals to that population and
providing meals to that population and series is really proud to be a member of
series is really proud to be a member of
series is really proud to be a member of that group and over the last five or six
that group and over the last five or six
that group and over the last five or six years that group has started to do
years that group has started to do
years that group has started to do significant research studies on the
significant research studies on the
significant research studies on the difference that it makes when people get
difference that it makes when people get
difference that it makes when people get get food so it’s not rocket science
get food so it’s not rocket science
get food so it’s not rocket science right when people have quality food as
right when people have quality food as
right when people have quality food as part of their treatment they feel better
part of their treatment they feel better
part of their treatment they feel better and they
and they
and they do better and what that means is they’re
do better and what that means is they’re
do better and what that means is they’re less likely to end up in the emergency
less likely to end up in the emergency
less likely to end up in the emergency department they’re less likely to be
rehospitalization and all that saves
rehospitalization and all that saves money on the healthcare side what we’re
money on the healthcare side what we’re
money on the healthcare side what we’re finding is somewhere around 16 to 20
finding is somewhere around 16 to 20
finding is somewhere around 16 to 20 percent net savings in the healthcare
percent net savings in the healthcare
percent net savings in the healthcare field now we’re taking that research to
field now we’re taking that research to
field now we’re taking that research to the next level here in California and
the next level here in California and
the next level here in California and thanks to the California Legislature
thanks to the California Legislature
thanks to the California Legislature we’ve just been awarded in last year six
we’ve just been awarded in last year six
we’ve just been awarded in last year six million dollars to conduct a three-year
million dollars to conduct a three-year
million dollars to conduct a three-year research study with medical patients who
research study with medical patients who
research study with medical patients who have congestive heart failure so series
have congestive heart failure so series
have congestive heart failure so series and five other agencies across the state
and five other agencies across the state
and five other agencies across the state from San Diego all the way up to Sonoma
from San Diego all the way up to Sonoma
from San Diego all the way up to Sonoma County are part of that study over the
County are part of that study over the
County are part of that study over the next three years we’re going to be
next three years we’re going to be
next three years we’re going to be providing a thousand medical patients
providing a thousand medical patients
providing a thousand medical patients with 12 weeks of home delivered meals
with 12 weeks of home delivered meals
with 12 weeks of home delivered meals and four visits with a registered
and four visits with a registered
and four visits with a registered dietician and we’ll be measuring the
dietician and we’ll be measuring the
dietician and we’ll be measuring the impact of that on their health outcomes
impact of that on their health outcomes
impact of that on their health outcomes and comparing that to 4,000 similar
and comparing that to 4,000 similar
and comparing that to 4,000 similar patients so unfortunately in order to
patients so unfortunately in order to
patients so unfortunately in order to change policy we have to show that
change policy we have to show that
change policy we have to show that there’s cost savings and so it really in
there’s cost savings and so it really in
there’s cost savings and so it really in some ways that comes down to the numbers
some ways that comes down to the numbers
some ways that comes down to the numbers so remember we said 16 percent net
so remember we said 16 percent net
so remember we said 16 percent net savings in the studies that have been
savings in the studies that have been
savings in the studies that have been done so far here’s just a very
done so far here’s just a very
done so far here’s just a very conservative estimate of what this might
conservative estimate of what this might
conservative estimate of what this might mean in California so if we can save
mean in California so if we can save
mean in California so if we can save just 5% net savings on the healthcare
just 5% net savings on the healthcare
just 5% net savings on the healthcare cost side when you translate that across
cost side when you translate that across
cost side when you translate that across 57,000 hospitalizations for heart
57,000 hospitalizations for heart
57,000 hospitalizations for heart disease in California you’re talking
disease in California you’re talking
disease in California you’re talking about almost a hundred million dollars a
about almost a hundred million dollars a
about almost a hundred million dollars a year in cost savings but like I said
year in cost savings but like I said
year in cost savings but like I said this isn’t about the dollars this is
this isn’t about the dollars this is
this isn’t about the dollars this is about real people and I’m really excited
about real people and I’m really excited
about real people and I’m really excited to share a very short video of Candace
to share a very short video of Candace
to share a very short video of Candace and I I want to thank Candace for being
and I I want to thank Candace for being
and I I want to thank Candace for being willing to be interviewed that’s a
willing to be interviewed that’s a
willing to be interviewed that’s a really hard thing for someone in her
really hard thing for someone in her
really hard thing for someone in her situation to do and I also want to thank
situation to do and I also want to thank
situation to do and I also want to thank project angel food in LA our colleague
project angel food in LA our colleague
project angel food in LA our colleague organization who served Candace we don’t
organization who served Candace we don’t
organization who served Candace we don’t a really tough struggle for my life for
a really tough struggle for my life for
a really tough struggle for my life for the last five years
the last five years
the last five years I’ve dealt with amputation I’m having
I’ve dealt with amputation I’m having
I’ve dealt with amputation I’m having really bad battles with infection
really bad battles with infection
really bad battles with infection congestive heart failure for me was like
congestive heart failure for me was like
congestive heart failure for me was like I couldn’t breathe I couldn’t lay down
I couldn’t breathe I couldn’t lay down
I couldn’t breathe I couldn’t lay down flat and breathe without feeling like I
flat and breathe without feeling like I
flat and breathe without feeling like I was like drowning my legs were extremely
was like drowning my legs were extremely
was like drowning my legs were extremely heavy just tired it was very scary
heavy just tired it was very scary
heavy just tired it was very scary because I didn’t I wasn’t sure what was
because I didn’t I wasn’t sure what was
because I didn’t I wasn’t sure what was going on
going on
going on basically the doctor told me your heart
basically the doctor told me your heart
basically the doctor told me your heart is failing and there’s fluid backed up
is failing and there’s fluid backed up
is failing and there’s fluid backed up in your body the first time I was
in your body the first time I was
in your body the first time I was hospitalized for about seven days for a
hospitalized for about seven days for a
hospitalized for about seven days for a while yeah it was weeks at a time and
while yeah it was weeks at a time and
while yeah it was weeks at a time and then I would come home and I would need
then I would come home and I would need
then I would come home and I would need in home nurses and things because I
in home nurses and things because I
in home nurses and things because I always had like PICC lines I mean I have
always had like PICC lines I mean I have
always had like PICC lines I mean I have a lot of scars you can see from having
a lot of scars you can see from having
a lot of scars you can see from having tubes inserted here and there and PICC
tubes inserted here and there and PICC
tubes inserted here and there and PICC lines and tunnels and things just trying
lines and tunnels and things just trying
lines and tunnels and things just trying to keep myself alive my family everybody
to keep myself alive my family everybody
to keep myself alive my family everybody works
works
works everybody’s got kids everybody’s got
everybody’s got kids everybody’s got
everybody’s got kids everybody’s got something to do and it seemed like every
something to do and it seemed like every
something to do and it seemed like every time I would get sick my family would
time I would get sick my family would
time I would get sick my family would have to stop what they were doing and
have to stop what they were doing and
have to stop what they were doing and rearrange their lives just to be able to
rearrange their lives just to be able to
rearrange their lives just to be able to be there for the kids or me it’s been
be there for the kids or me it’s been
be there for the kids or me it’s been about a month now no hospital because I
about a month now no hospital because I
about a month now no hospital because I only eat what they give me and so far
only eat what they give me and so far
only eat what they give me and so far I’ve been out of the hospital I have
I’ve been out of the hospital I have
I’ve been out of the hospital I have never eaten in excess fluid I’ve been
never eaten in excess fluid I’ve been
never eaten in excess fluid I’ve been dropping weight you know it’s working it
dropping weight you know it’s working it
dropping weight you know it’s working it works it really works
works it really works
works it really works so Candace is just one of the many
so Candace is just one of the many
so Candace is just one of the many patients that we’ve served so far in
patients that we’ve served so far in
patients that we’ve served so far in this study and I just think it’s really
this study and I just think it’s really
this study and I just think it’s really important to think about what her life
important to think about what her life
important to think about what her life is like and what her life has been like
is like and what her life has been like
is like and what her life has been like and even being able to see the
and even being able to see the
and even being able to see the difference in how she looks from having
difference in how she looks from having
difference in how she looks from having gotten this food clearly Candace is
gotten this food clearly Candace is
gotten this food clearly Candace is already really sick and one of the
already really sick and one of the
already really sick and one of the things we’re also learning is that food
things we’re also learning is that food
things we’re also learning is that food can make a big difference even earlier
can make a big difference even earlier
can make a big difference even earlier along what we call the prevention
along what we call the prevention
along what we call the prevention treatment continuum so this is a
treatment continuum so this is a
treatment continuum so this is a statistic I learned a couple weeks ago
statistic I learned a couple weeks ago
statistic I learned a couple weeks ago that is just kind of blowing my mind
that is just kind of blowing my mind
that is just kind of blowing my mind so among Medicaid patients they are 27
so among Medicaid patients they are 27
so among Medicaid patients they are 27 percent more likely to go to the
percent more likely to go to the
percent more likely to go to the emergency department the last week of
emergency department the last week of
emergency department the last week of the month can you figure out why they
the month can you figure out why they
the month can you figure out why they run out of food and they skip meals and
run out of food and they skip meals and
run out of food and they skip meals and many of them are diabetic or
many of them are diabetic or
many of them are diabetic or pre-diabetic and they end up in the
pre-diabetic and they end up in the
pre-diabetic and they end up in the the emergency department the good news
the emergency department the good news
the emergency department the good news is that there’s already some work being
is that there’s already some work being
is that there’s already some work being done to look at a food insecurity
done to look at a food insecurity
done to look at a food insecurity intervention for that so there’s a lot
intervention for that so there’s a lot
intervention for that so there’s a lot happening in the healthcare field around
happening in the healthcare field around
happening in the healthcare field around this so back to those faces and back to
this so back to those faces and back to
this so back to those faces and back to Ceres the truth is that nonprofit
Ceres the truth is that nonprofit
Ceres the truth is that nonprofit organizations like us will never be able
organizations like us will never be able
organizations like us will never be able to raise enough money to feed everyone
to raise enough money to feed everyone
to raise enough money to feed everyone who needs it to provide this kind of
who needs it to provide this kind of
who needs it to provide this kind of support in order to do that we have to
support in order to do that we have to
support in order to do that we have to change policy we know from our clients
change policy we know from our clients
change policy we know from our clients that a meal prepared with love is one of
that a meal prepared with love is one of
that a meal prepared with love is one of the most powerful ways we can show that
the most powerful ways we can show that
the most powerful ways we can show that we care and and it’s you know delivering
we care and and it’s you know delivering
we care and and it’s you know delivering a meal it’s real and it’s tangible and
a meal it’s real and it’s tangible and
a meal it’s real and it’s tangible and that’s the easy thing to do policy seems
that’s the easy thing to do policy seems
that’s the easy thing to do policy seems like something abstract but my
like something abstract but my
like something abstract but my realization is that policy is how we put
realization is that policy is how we put
realization is that policy is how we put our values into action policy is how we
our values into action policy is how we
our values into action policy is how we make those meals available to people
make those meals available to people
make those meals available to people like Candice and to people across the
like Candice and to people across the
like Candice and to people across the state so the research is mounting
state so the research is mounting
state so the research is mounting there’s clearly enough data now to say
there’s clearly enough data now to say
there’s clearly enough data now to say that this is something that we should be
that this is something that we should be
that this is something that we should be doing but it’s going to take all of us
doing but it’s going to take all of us
doing but it’s going to take all of us raising our voices you know talk to your
raising our voices you know talk to your
raising our voices you know talk to your you now know about this so share it with
you now know about this so share it with
you now know about this so share it with your doctor share it with your insurance
your doctor share it with your insurance
your doctor share it with your insurance company share it with your legislators
company share it with your legislators
company share it with your legislators together if we can raise our voices we
together if we can raise our voices we
together if we can raise our voices we can change policies so that food becomes
can change policies so that food becomes
can change policies so that food becomes available to everyone when they when
available to everyone when they when
available to everyone when they when they need it most and we can truly
they need it most and we can truly
they need it most and we can truly reimagine our healthcare system thank
reimagine our healthcare system thank
reimagine our healthcare system thank you so much
you so much
you so much [Applause]
Please follow and like us: