The health of our soil is directly tied to the health of our food and our bodies. Agricultural practices that degrade soil can diminish the nutritional quality of crops, while those that regenerate soil create foods that truly nourish us. This lecture explores the profound relationship between the vitality of our soils and the vitality of our bodies, framing soil as medicine. Attendees will gain insight into how caring for the ground beneath us strengthens ecosystems, improves nutrition, and supports healthier, more resilient communities.

Mary Purdy, MS, RDN is an integrative eco-dietitian working at the intersection of sustainable food systems, climate and human health. She spent 13+ years in clinical practice using a personalized and food-as-medicine approach, and taught for 8 years at Bastyr University. She is the Managing Director of the Nutrient Density Alliance which works to connect soil health and nutrient-rich food. She is also Adjunct Faculty at The Culinary Institute of America's Masters Program in Sustainable Food Systems, served as a Nutrition and Sustainability Advisor for numerous food brands, and speaks regularly at conferences about the benefits of regenerative agriculture.