About Us
We are a coalition of foundations, philanthropists, community organizations, researchers and individuals united in commitment to create a future free of preventable food-related disease.
We welcome all that wish to join us.
The Ultra-Processed Problem
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are hyper-palatable, highly profitable food-like products made from modified food substances after multiple stages of industrial processing. These products are often ready-to-consume, low in micronutrients, and calorically dense.
UPFs are linked to endocrine disruption, carcinogen exposure, developmental issues, microplastic accumulation, and microbiome disruption.
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Linked to metabolic disorders and liver issues when consumed in excess.
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Bleached and stripped of nutrients, ultra-refined grains are quickly absorbed leading to blood sugar spikes and an increased insulin response.
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Formed when sugars react with proteins or fats at high temperatures. These compounds can increase inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Emulsifiers can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to inflammation.
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Used as preservatives, can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines.
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Using chemical solvents like hexane to extract oil from seeds, high heat processing creates easily oxidized oils forming free radicals and toxic compounds like aldehydes. Partial hydrogenation can create trans fats.
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Created through hydrogenation of oils, linked to increased risk of heart disease and other health issues.
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Formed when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, potentially carcinogenic.
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Preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers have various negative health effects.
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Bisphenols, phthalates, and microplastics leach into food from packaging, can linings, and plastic containers.
The Result
BAD Economics.
The U.S. ultra-processed food industry produces revenue of $2 trillion, yet ultimately costs society $3.2 trillion in healthcare and lost productivity - that we all pay for.
Our Mission
To advance individual, family, community and societal wellbeing by ending food-related disease caused by ultra-processed foods.
The Science
The science is clear: ultra-processed foods are bad for the mind and body.
Watch our Webinars to learn from leading scientists.
Insights
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“What happens in the brain is reflected in the gut, and what happens in the gut is reflected in the brain. This makes these events related to a diet… It affects the whole body.”
Dr. Emeran Mayer M.D.
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“…in nutritional psychiatry, there are several mechanisms that impact how the food we eat, really changes mood, increases anxiety, as well as several other conditions… one of those is inflammation. Another is oxidative stress…”
Dr. Uma Naidoo M.D.
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“We actually have data on causation for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and tooth decay. We have correlation data for cancer and dementia… and the data are actually quite robust and strong.”
Dr. Robert Lustig M.D., M.S.L.
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"People who have mental illnesses are much more likely to have obesity or in the future develop obesity. Likewise with diabetes—and it becomes a vicious cycle"
Dr. Christopher Palmer M.D.
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"We can't just take standard lifestyle approaches and expect communities to suddenly eat healthier and be more active. We've got to think outside the box."
Dr. Michael Goran Ph.D.
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"...product formulation that worked for cigarettes could be applied to food as well as alcohol..."
Dr. Laura Schmidt Ph.D., M.S.W., M.P.H.
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"...the neural net of strong cravings for ultra processed foods and addictive substances is completely overlapping. So those cravings are really engaging the same lower based neural circuitry..."
Ashley Gearhardt Ph.D.
“It’s essential that we don’t pathologize individuals … when they’re navigating an environment flooded with products designed to override biological self-regulation. At the same time, relying on medication to manage a food system engineered for addiction is both insufficient and unjust.”
Dr. Ashely Gearhardt
The Plan
Serving as a bridge, we enable foundations to participate in collective and coordinated action.
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Convene learning sessions for coalition stakeholders: foundations, philanthropists, community organizations, researchers and individuals.
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Recruit and convene stakeholders for collective action (aggregating power) and develop further funding, education, research, and outreach (advocacy) action plans.
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Engage legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government to eradicate ultra-processed food and causes of food-related disease.
Connect
We look forward to connecting with you.
Founding Sponsors
