Vanessa Rissetto Advocates for Health Equity Amid Growing Food Divisiveness
As America fights over food this – Vanessa Rissetto, a registered dietitian, is navigating the intense political debates over dietary choices by advocating for a more unified approach to health. While members of Congress clash over nutrition policies, Rissetto aims to temper heated discussions about contentious food issues and focus on resolving shared health challenges. Her work centers on bridging gaps in access to nutritional care, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by chronic disease.
A Champion for Nutritional Access and Awareness
As the co-founder of Culina Health, a company recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential in 2026, Rissetto has become a vocal proponent of personalized dietary support. Founded in 2020, the virtual health service partners with over 90 medical providers to connect patients with remote nutrition guidance. Despite its growth, Rissetto emphasizes that reaching underserved populations remains a persistent challenge.
Rissetto’s efforts are rooted in her belief that health literacy is a critical barrier to progress. “Most people on SNAP are White, but White people look at SNAP as something for poor Black people,” remarked Marion Nestle, a New York University nutrition professor emerita. This sentiment underscores the broader issue Rissetto seeks to address: the politicization of food has deepened societal divides, even as health disparities persist.
“Can you not be divisive around this thing that is so important? Because many people don’t know,” Rissetto told USA TODAY. “The country is already divided. People are literally dying, chronic diseases on the rise.” She added, “What is the one thing that we all do as a collective thing? We all eat.”
A Personal Journey into Nutrition Advocacy
Rissetto’s path to medicine began with a personal health challenge. In 2004, she sought the expertise of a dietitian and soon realized the power of nutritional guidance. After completing her training, she worked as a dietitian at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City for five years. Her experiences there solidified her commitment to making health care more accessible.
During a January 2026 segment on NBC’s “Today” show, Rissetto shared her perspective on protein sources. Hosted by Jenna Bush Hager and comedian Matt Rogers, the conversation highlighted her balanced approach. “I’m not mad at you if you want to get it from plants, but when we get it from animals, we tend to stay full for longer,” she explained. This statement reflects her focus on practical, evidence-based advice rather than ideological stances.
Political Tensions and Health Policy
The debate over food policy has intensified in recent years, with figures like Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushing for sweeping changes to dietary habits. Rissetto’s role in this discourse has been pivotal, especially as she addresses the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease among Black adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all Black adults in the U.S. face some form of this condition, a statistic that fuels her advocacy.
Her work has also intersected with political developments. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement gained traction in 2023 as he built momentum for a presidential campaign. After withdrawing from the race, Kennedy was appointed as President Donald Trump’s health czar, a position that further entangled food policy with partisan agendas.
Addressing Health Literacy Through Personal Storytelling
Rissetto uses relatable examples to illustrate the challenges of health literacy. During a July 2025 interview, she humorously addressed critics of fruit consumption, saying, “Please, be quiet,” to the “Today” show hosts. This moment encapsulates her strategy: blending professionalism with approachability to make complex health topics more accessible.
Her father, Michel Arteaga, serves as a poignant case study. A mechanical and chemical engineer who speaks seven languages, he exemplifies the knowledge gap in nutrition. Rissetto noted that despite his intellectual prowess, her father misunderstands the benefits of certain dietary choices. “He thinks eating a salad without dressing or drinking more pressed fruit juice will help him lose weight,” she said, “but he doesn’t grasp the science behind those decisions.”
A Rising Voice in the Fight for Health Equity
Rissetto’s work has evolved since the pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of virtual health services. By 2020, she had already launched Culina Health, offering remote support to patients. That July, the company welcomed its first client, marking a significant milestone in its mission to democratize nutritional care.
Her personal experience with health challenges has also shaped her perspective. In May 2023, Rissetto was diagnosed with breast cancer, a journey that included 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 20 of radiation. The diagnosis deepened her resolve to create systems that support individuals through tailored health strategies. “I believe in the science,” she told USA TODAY, “I want to work the science, I want to understand the science, and then I want to impart that on other people.”
Broader Implications of Food Politics
Food debates have far-reaching consequences, particularly for low-income communities. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle, with some states imposing restrictions on candy and soda. These policies, while aimed at promoting healthier habits, often overlook the realities of food insecurity. As Nestle pointed out, the Trump administration’s approach to SNAP has led to stricter eligibility criteria, further marginalizing vulnerable populations.
Rissetto’s message is clear: health is not a partisan issue but a universal one. “The country is already divided,” she said, “but when it comes to food, we can find common ground.” Her focus on personalized care and education reflects a growing movement to shift from ideological battles to practical solutions. By engaging with policymakers and the public alike, she seeks to ensure that nutritional support is a right, not a privilege.
With nine out of ten adults struggling to understand basic health information, Rissetto’s work is more critical than ever. Her company’s efforts to reach 10,000 patients demonstrate the potential of targeted, accessible care. As America continues to grapple with food-related divides, her voice offers a reminder that the fight for health equity requires both scientific rigor and compassionate outreach. In a world where nutrition is often weaponized, Rissetto strives to make it a tool for unity and healing.
