Our Mission + Vision

Vision Statement

We equip our community to prevent and address chronic disease through food literacy programs that put food as medicine into practice, honoring personal wisdom and cultural wealth so our whole community can eat to thrive.

Mission Statement

Rooted partners with individuals, families, and care teams to make food literacy, food as medicine, and evidence-based lifestyle practices part of everyday health. Our programs build the skills, confidence, and connections that empower every neighbor to eat more plants, prevent and manage chronic disease, and feel their best. Through hands-on education prioritizing equitable access and culturally resonant programs, we bridge knowledge with practice and honor community wisdom and lived experience so everyone can Eat to Thrive.

Purpose Statement

When our neighbors have equitable access to the knowledge, confidence, and nourishment to foster their health, they can feel good, support their families, and contribute to thriving, resilient communities. Rooted exists to make that possible—mobilizing partners, care teams, and neighbors to foster lasting, community-driven health. We’re a stronger community when we’re all healthy.

Guiding Values

Positive Food Focus

We nurture food literacy as a lifelong skill. Food literacy is the ability to know, choose, prepare, and understand food in ways that support health, culture, and the environment. Our approach goes beyond nutrition facts to help every person explore how food impacts their physical and mental health and build confidence in taking the next step to accessing, cooking, or simply adding more fiber-rich, familiar foods to their plate. We celebrate the cultural wealth and wisdom within every community, fostering curiosity, connection, and joy in learning to eat to thrive.

Health Equity Focus

We prioritize neighbors facing the greatest barriers to good health, offering accessible, bilingual, and culturally resonant programs that center community voices and cultural wealth, respectful of every journey and starting point. By connecting individuals and care teams with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to thrive, we advance equity and belonging in every aspect of our work.

Education & Connection Focus

We create spaces for learning, connection, and practice that honor lived experience and community wisdom. By meeting each person where they are, we equip and empower our neighbors with the skills, confidence, and encouragement to turn nutrition and lifestyle knowledge into small, sustainable actions.

Collaboration Focus

We partner with healthcare providers and direct service organizations through shared tools, training, and lifestyle medicine collaborations that integrate food and daily habits into prevention and care, transforming how health is taught, practiced, and experienced.