Aug 22 | Fresh Food Factory Market Hosts “Fresh Food as Medicine” Wellness Panel
In recognition of National Wellness Month, Fresh Food Factory Market will host Fresh Food as Medicine, a community conversation exploring the connection between fresh food, nutrition, disease prevention and overall wellness.
The free event takes place Saturday, August 22, from 11 am–3 pm at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. The Fresh Food as Medicine panel discussion will take place from 1–3 pm.
Under the leadership of Fresh Food Factory Market founder Amanda Stephenson, the discussion will bring together experts in mental health, community health, medicine and nutrition to explore how the foods people eat can affect their physical and emotional well-being. The conversation will also offer practical information residents can incorporate into their everyday lives.
Meet the Panelists
Lottena Wolters, LPC is a mental health therapist, longtime Ward 7 resident, and Founder and CEO of The F.L. Wolters Group. She is also the creator of The FLWG Way, a whole-person wellness model based on eight dimensions of well-being. Wolters brings more than two decades of experience supporting individuals, families and communities and will discuss the connection between nutrition and areas such as mood, energy, focus and stress regulation.
Nancy Sonnah, MPH, Program Manager of Community Outreach & Engagement at Sibley Memorial Hospital, works in cancer risk reduction, health education, patient navigation and improving access to care. Her work connects residents with healthcare providers, community organizations and resources designed to support healthier lives and advance health equity.
Dr. Kerryann Gross, Founder and Medical Director of Evexia, brings more than 20 years of clinical experience in trauma care, emergency medicine and gastrointestinal health. Harvard-trained in hormone optimization, Dr. Gross specializes in obesity management, longevity medicine, nutrition and preventative care, combining conventional and functional medicine in her approach to patient wellness.
Chet C. Alan Bennétt (Chef Benné) is the Founder and Executive Chef of Kidney Kafe. A kidney transplant recipient, entrepreneur and health advocate, Chef Benné uses his personal experience to help individuals and families make healthier food choices. Through kidney-conscious meals, cooking demonstrations, wellness education and community outreach, Kidney Kafe promotes a simple mission: “Eat Well. Live Well. Give Life.”
Together, the panelists will explore food and wellness from several perspectives — including clinical care, mental health, nutrition, community health and lived experience — while examining how healthier food choices can play a role in prevention and long-term wellness.
Following the discussion, attendees can visit community resource tables featuring information, tools and connections to help continue their wellness journeys beyond the event.
Event Details
Rooted in Wellness: Fresh Food as Medicine Community Event
Saturday, August 22 | 11 am–3 pm
Fresh Food as Medicine Panel | 1–3 pm
Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum
Washington, DC
Admission: FREE