The nutrition scientist decided to turn her focus to changing agriculture and food systems so that more local, nutrient-rich foods are available to communities, especially those in developing economies with vulnerable women and children.
For dietician Jessica Bogard, helping people overcome disease and illness was frustrating work. Although encouraging patients to improve their diet was critical to their recovery, she felt change was needed on a much bigger scale.
The nutrition scientist decided to turn her focus to changing agriculture and food systems so that more local, nutrient-rich foods are available to communities, especially those in developing economies with vulnerable women and children.
Dr Bogard won the 2021 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education, known as ASPIRE, for her work in improving local food systems to reduce malnutrition. Co-sponsored by Wiley and Elsevier, the annual award recognizes young scientists who have demonstrated a commitment to “excellence in scientific research and collaboration” in the region.
She asserts malnutrition as a serious issue, widespread in many communities. “Through no fault of their own,” she clarifies, “quality foods are not available, affordable, or accessible to communities.
To me, it’s the food system that’s driving the problem,” she said. “The problem needs to be addressed upstream, rather than just encouraging people to choose healthier foods.”
