Rooted in Renewal: Reclaiming the Land, Food, and Our Health

The path to better health starts with the land beneath our feet. In honor of Black History Month, Plant Powered Metro New York brings together Yadira Garcia of Corbin Hill Food Project, Dexter Shurney, MD, of Blue Zones, and educator and activist Natacha Robert, doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University, for a powerful conversation on plant-based nutrition, land sovereignty, and community well-being. They’ll explore how reconnecting with the land and ensuring equitable access to nourishing food can help bridge health disparities in Black and Brown communities. This discussion will highlight practical strategies for creating a healthier, more just food system — one that supports longevity, resilience, and collective renewal.

Yadira Garcia, an NYU-educated natural-foods chef and health coach from the South Bronx, who serves as the Director of Programs & Innovation at Corbin Hill Food Project to enhance food access, justice, and sovereignty. 

Dexter Shurney, MD, MBA, MPH, is the Chief Health Officer of Blue Zones and President of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine and Innovation. Dr. Shurney is a celebrated speaker, media presence, and co-author of a guide on integrating wellness into disease management, known for innovating chronic condition management strategies. 

Natacha Robert is an education doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is an educator, activist, and artist focused on African-centered education and land sovereignty.