Flavors of Health: A Cultural Approach to T1D Care

Health care access

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

This project emerged from the same belief that guided our Tribal Assessment work: diabetes education must be rooted in culture to be effective. In 2023, we partnered with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to conduct a health assessment that revealed a major gap—T1D education was not honoring traditional foods or cultural practices. As we listened and co-developed resources with Tribal input, we saw that culturally grounded, specific support was not just appreciated—it was vital. That realization led us to expand our efforts. Food as Medicine now serves Spanish-speaking and BIPOC communities, empowering families to manage T1D while continuing to eat foods they know and love. Our program centers dignity, celebrates culture, and provides resources that reflect lived experience. We recognize that nutrition guidance must be culturally relevant to be effective and sustainable. This work is about more than recipes or meal plans—it is about respect, equity, and long-term wellness.

Breakthrough T1D’s Food as Medicine initiative in Los Angeles County addresses persistent disparities in diabetes care through culturally relevant nutrition education and support. While access to diabetes care is improving—barriers remain, especially for low-income, BIPOC, and Spanish-speaking families managing type 1 diabetes (T1D).
This request supports Year 2 implementation of a national pilot, informed by community feedback. Key activities include:
• Nutrition and T1D management workshops rooted in culture
• Cooking and food prep classes with familiar, easy to find ingredients
• Tips on preventing food waste
• Outreach and T1D technology education to reduce care gaps
• Peer support to ease the emotional toll of T1D
We will serve more than 1,000 LA County residents, focusing on children, teens, and caregivers. Programs are held at trusted community sites to reduce access barriers. Evaluation tools track participation, behavior change, and perceived confidence in T1D management.
Breakthrough T1D’s national and local leadership brings decades of lived experience, health equity work, and a proven model of incorporating community voices. Our culturally tailored approach demystifies diabetes nutrition and equips families to make lasting, confident choices.
Aligned with LA’s 2050 vision, this program expands access to relevant nutrition choices, quality care, and health equity—ensuring every family can thrive regardless of income or ZIP code.

If successful, our Food as Medicine initiative will empower Spanish-speaking and underserved families in Los Angeles County to manage type 1 diabetes (T1D) with confidence—using culturally familiar foods and community-based support. In the short term (October 2025–October 2026), we aim to reach at least 1,000 residents with tailored workshops, cooking classes, and resource distribution. Participants will report increased knowledge, reduced isolation, and improved ability to manage T1D.
Long term, we aim to build a replicable model that not only expands across LA County but can also be adapted for other chronic diseases. In Years 3–5, we plan to expand programming to include Jewish, Middle Eastern, Haitian, Creole, and other prevalent cultural communities—ensuring inclusive, culturally grounded care remains central to how healthcare is delivered. This model has the power to transform community health outcomes by embedding cultural relevance into every layer of education and support.