FoodNiche Changemakers

Dr. Julia Olayanju

Changemakers podcast share the stories and insights of visionaries tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our food system. These changemakers are innovators, scientists, advocates, policymakers, educators and many more, united by a common objective. Audience will get a chance to learn the problems that the are tackling, and the challenges and the triumphs. The goal is to inform, inspire & educate the next generation of changemakers .

  1. Jun 19

    Understanding Food As Medicine With Elizabeth Machinca

    Increasingly, healthcare systems, researchers, and public health leaders are recognizing what science continues to demonstrate: the food we eat plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving quality of life, and shaping long-term health outcomes. The concept of Food as medicine continues to gain momentum, but there are ambiguities when it comes to this term and how healthcare providers are integrating food into their patients' healthcare plan. In today’s episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju speaks with Elizabeth Machnica, a registered dietitian and team lead for the Food As Medicine Program and Director of Health and Well-Being at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. With expertise spanning clinical nutrition, public health research, food systems, and community design, Elizabeth shares valuable insights on the future of preventive health, equitable patient care, and what it truly means to integrate food as medicine into healthcare and community systems. This is a thoughtful conversation about building healthier communities through innovation, education, and intentional systems-level change. Visit BNMC wesite to learn more and support their work: https://bnmc.org/ Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by ENISQ, a gamified platform for K12 health and nutrition education. Learn more on enisq.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/enisq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enisq_com ⁠ENISQ: Overview | LinkedIn⁠ 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 ENISQ, where she and her team are leveraging technology to enhance health and nutrition education in K-12 schools. https://enisq.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

    Understanding Food As Medicine With Elizabeth Machinca
  2. 09/12/2025

    Fueling Innovation & Access: Funding the Future of Food for Health.

    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/

  3. 08/29/2025

    The ROI of Food As Medicine Program

    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/

Trailers

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Changemakers podcast share the stories and insights of visionaries tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our food system. These changemakers are innovators, scientists, advocates, policymakers, educators and many more, united by a common objective. Audience will get a chance to learn the problems that the are tackling, and the challenges and the triumphs. The goal is to inform, inspire & educate the next generation of changemakers .