In this episode of My City Talks, powered by My City My Health, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Jasmine Brooks, project manager for the USDA-backed Double Up Food Bucks program in Iowa. Together, they explore the realities of food insecurity, the cultural significance of food, and the importance of choice in nutrition.
From the lost art of cooking to the challenges of accessing fresh produce through SNAP, Jasmine shares real-life insights on how programs like Double Up Iowa are helping families stretch their dollars, support local farmers, and reclaim their health. This conversation is a preview of the upcoming My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14, where leaders, advocates, and community members will gather to move from conversation to action.
🎟️ Register for the conference:
https://mycity.health 🔗 Learn more about Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org
Topics covered in this episode:- Jasmine’s journey into food insecurity work (01:00)
- How Double Up Food Bucks stretches SNAP dollars (02:45)
- Why food insecurity is about more than “boxes of food” (04:00)
- Cooking as a lost art (05:30)
- Eating for color: simple nutrition tips (06:30)
- Cultural pride vs. healthy eating (10:00)
- Access, education, and the stigma of food assistance (13:00)
- How Double Up Food Bucks supports local farmers & grocers (18:00)
- SNAP, Medicaid, and funding challenges in Iowa (20:00)
- Turning conversation into action at My City My Health (25:00)
- How to connect with Jasmine Brooks & Double Up Iowa (30:00)
Resources & Links:
- 🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov. 14): https://mycity.health
- 🌱 Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org
- 💡 Presented by UnityPoint Health: https://www.unitypoint.org
What is My City Talks?
The My City Talks Podcast spotlights individuals and organizations worldwide that profoundly impact their communities' health and well-being. Hosted by the My City My Health team, each episode dives into the inspiring stories of change-makers, health advocates, and community leaders who challenge the status quo to create healthier, more equitable environments for all. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale health equity efforts, this podcast explores the diverse strategies and innovative solutions being implemented to improve health outcomes in cities worldwide.
Each episode will explore culture, healthcare, prevention, and community and how these factors can impact health outcomes. We'll hear from experts in the field and individuals who are working to make positive change.