James Beard Foundation Announces 2014 Food Conference

The James Beard Foundation will host the 2014 National Food Conference in New York City on October 27 and 28, with guest speakers including food journalist Mark Bittman, food politics writer and public health advocate Marion Nestle, White House Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition Policy Sam Kass, American bioethicist Dr. Zeke Emanuel, and several others.

This year's theme, Health & Food: Is Better Food the Prescription for a Healthier America?, will invite leaders from several aspects of public health and food politics to lead a series of meaningful discussions on the American diet.

This year's speakers will address a wide range of issues as they affect the American relationship with food, including nutrition science, food policy, and agricultural technology. 

"There is mounting scientific evidence that supports what many have been saying all along – that food is the key to improving the health of our bodies, as well as the health of our communities and our environment," said Mitchell Davis, Ph.D., executive vice president of the James Beard Foundation. "Our distinguished participants will challenge and widen our perspectives and offer solutions to improving the impact food has on our health."

During this year's food conference, the James Beard Foundation will also honor the winners of its annual Leadership Awards, chosen for their influence in how, why, and what we eat. This year's recipients — Mark Bittman, Ben Burkett, Navina Khanna, Michael Pollan and Karen Washington—will all be participating in the conference.

Admission to the full two-day conference in October is $500 per guest, and will also be streamed live. Discount tickets for the Leadership Awards Dinner are also available to conference attendees.

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Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.