Conference Information
General Information
Food As Medicine – Santa Cruz brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, and experts from various fields to explore the latest scientific findings, clinical applications, and practical insights related to plant-based diets.
Conference Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
In-Person Participant Registration closes Thursday, Oct 2—Register early! Online Participant Registration open through Friday, Oct 17.
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM; optional Movement Class begins at 7:00 AM and optional Breakfast begins at 7:30 AM. See Schedule for more details.
In-person location: 1440 Multiversity: 800 Bethany Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Virtual option: via Zoom
Breakfast and lunch: Completely whole food, plant based
Recommended Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley and Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Parking: Free parking onsite at 1440 Multiversity
Continuing Education:
MD, DO, RN, PA, and all healthcare professionals (dietitians see below): This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the California Medical Association (CMA) through the joint providership of Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and Eat for the Earth. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley is accredited by the CMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley designates this live activity for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
RD, DTR: The Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, has approved activity 188605 for 7 CPEUs for dietitians, with an expiration date of June 27, 2026.
Resource Fair: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Vegetarian Resource Group, Eat for the Earth, Project Food Box, Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, Healthy Learning Bookshop, and more exhibitors.
Hosted by: Eat for the Earth, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
This conference is designed for healthcare professionals, but others with strong interests in nutrition and health are welcome to attend.
Event Content
Distinguished Presenters:
- Presentations from healthcare providers who are experts in the use of food as a tool for healing and have made significant contributions to the intersection of medicine and plant-based nutrition.
Clinical Applications and Case Studies:
- Gain practical insights into incorporating plant-based nutrition into clinical practice.
- Learn from successful case studies and patient outcomes related to plant-based dietary interventions.
- Explore the impact of plant-based nutrition on chronic diseases, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and more.
Panel Discussion Topic:
- Rethinking Protein & Other Key Nutrients: Debunking Myths About Plant-Based Nutrition and Disease Prevention. This dynamic and informative panel discussion will feature healthcare professionals from various disciplines.
Whole Food, Plant Based Meals with Culinary Medicine Demonstration:
- A delicious whole food, plant-based breakfast and lunch will be provided.
- Learn how to prepare artful and nutritious plant-based meals for yourself and your patients.
Networking Opportunities:
- Connect with like-minded professionals and researchers passionate about plant-based healthcare.
- Share experiences, ideas and best practices in an inclusive environment.
