Food for Life Program Expands Worldwide Reach With 49 New Instructors Bringing Plant-Based Nutrition to Their Communities

The instructors, who just completed eight weeks of intensive training, speak eight languages among them and are from locations including Chile, France, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Seven of the new instructors speak Spanish, helping the Food for Life program to grow its presence in Hispanic communities. Compared with 2022, the program increased its reach to Hispanic participants by 49% in 2023. This was accomplished in part with three new Spanish-language versions of Food for Life curricula and courses: Kickstart Your Health, Introduction to How Foods Fight Cancer, and Employee Wellness Program.

“The Food for Life team is incredible,” says Sol Gracia, from Santiago, Chile, who hopes to help expand the program’s Spanish-language offerings. “Everything was very well organized and planned, and they followed up and supported me to make it the best experience possible.”

She wasn’t alone in sharing her enthusiasm for the Food for Life training.

“It was a wonderful experience!” says Lisa Robinson, from Summerville, S.C.

Another instructor added, “I appreciate the support and positive energy from everyone who is part of the Physicians Committee. The ongoing training and easy access to help when needed is awesome! Thank you for the opportunity to promote better health.”

The Food for Life training awarded 23 full and partial scholarships and grants to instructors who demonstrated both a financial need and a commitment to reach communities with the greatest health disparities.

“I firmly believe I have found my tribe,” says Ginny Martinez, from Puebla, Mexico. “This certification has given me the confidence and support of the Physicians Committee. I have faith that this will open doors for me and allow me to help so many people who are suffering. I am very grateful for the scholarship I received; otherwise, it would have been impossible.”

The Food for Life program now has 438 instructors and institutions in 26 countries and in 47 U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia. Food for Life is an award-winning nutrition education and cooking class program that provides an innovative approach to diet-related chronic diseases. Since 2001, Food for Life has been a pioneer in delivering hands-on information about the direct role of plant-based nutrition in health and disease prevention to communities around the world.

To learn more about the Food for Life program and to find a class near you, visit PCRM.org/FFL.