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April 18th, 2025

Policy, Power & Food Truth: Melinda Hemmelgarn on Agriculture Reform, Cultural Nutrition, and Media Literacy | ANEW Ep. 68

  1. Policy, Power & Food Truth: Melinda Hemmelgarn on Agriculture Reform, Cultural Nutrition, and Media Literacy | ANEW Ep. 68 Dr. Supatra Tovar 33:09

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In Episode 69 of the ANEW Body Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar continues her eye-opening conversation with Melinda Hemmelgarn, MS, RD—investigative nutritionist, host of Food Sleuth Radio, and one of the most respected voices in food system advocacy.

In this second part of their rich and inspiring discussion, Melinda dives deeper into the intersection of agriculture policy, cultural nutrition, and media literacy, showing how what we eat is shaped not only by personal choice—but by powerful policies, corporations, and cultural narratives.

You’ll hear how U.S. food systems are influenced by legislation like the Farm Bill, and how monoculture farming, Big Ag lobbying, and industry subsidies affect food quality, Health equity, and the environment. Melinda explains why living wage legislation, SNAP reform, and farm-to-school programs are essential for building food sovereignty and protecting the planet.

You’ll also explore:

  • How corporate interests shape the food and nutrition messages we receive
  • Why true health equity starts with access to culturally meaningful foods
  • The need for media literacy in nutrition Education
  • The role of school gardens and community food programs in building lifelong healthy habits
  • The importance of reconnecting to the soil and learning where food comes from

From growing your own herbs to questioning what's in your child’s school lunch, this conversation reminds us that small acts—like asking where your food comes from—can be revolutionary. Melinda also shares powerful stories from leaders and dietitians transforming institutions from the inside out, including hospitals that now grow their own food and communities that are reclaiming local food power.

Dr. Tovar and Melinda discuss how honoring cultural traditions in food is a pathway to global understanding, joy, and even peace. If you’ve ever wondered how to use your voice, your dollar, or your plate to push back against Diet culture and the industrial food system—this episode is for you.

Learn more about Melinda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-hemmelgarn-m-s-r-d-a92b304 , https://www.facebook.com/melinda.hemmelgarn/https://foodsleuth.transistor.fm/,   https://x.com/food_sleuthhttps://www.instagram.com/melindahemmelgarn/?__d=1%3Futm_source%3Dig_embed 

💡 Want to break free from toxic food messaging and reclaim your health?
 Join the movement by enrolling in Deprogram Diet Culture at https://www.anew-insight.com

🎧 Listen now and discover how your food choices can become acts of power, healing, and resistance.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

Dr. Supatra Tovar ANEW Body Insight Podcast

Dr. Supatra Tovar is one of the only licensed psychologists in the world who is also a registered dietitian and accredited fitness expert. Dr. Tovar's unique background and integrated specializations allow her to provide holistic mind-body treatment for trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety for children and adults. Dr. Tovar has numerous scholarly and professional presentations at several national conferences on a variety of health topics, including the detection and treatment of disordered eating, dissociation, weightism, and mindfulness interventions for eating disorders. Dr. Tovar earned her doctorate in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and has two master's degrees, a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Arts in Psychology. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Psychological Association. Since founding her first Pilates studio almost twenty years ago, she has been designing exercise and nutrition programs as well as helping clients emotionally and mentally heal.

She created ANEW (Advanced Nutrition and Emotional Wellness) to inspire and guide a client's journey to improving their relationships with their mind, body, and spirit.

Dr. Supatra Tovar authored "Deprogram Diet Culture: Rethink Your Relationship with Food, Heal Your Mind, and Live a Diet-Free Life" and developed an accompanying online course to address the pervasive and harmful effects of diet culture. Both the book and the course aim to empower individuals by helping them reject unrealistic body standards and restrictive eating practices promoted by society. They provide readers and participants with tools to foster a compassionate, mindful relationship with food and themselves, promoting sustainable health and wellness. Through these resources, Dr. Tovar offers a holistic approach that integrates psychological insights and nutritional education, guiding individuals toward a liberated, informed, and healthful life, free from the cycles of dieting and body dissatisfaction.