Food as Medicine Conference
The intersection of community, nature and balance.
The Food as Medicine Conference is a container to connect with like minded people creating an integrative lifestyle seeking natural wellness solutions. Join us for discussions and opportunities to be with the earth, each other and ourselves as we dive deeper into the concept of Food as Medicine.
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Registration: 8:30 AM
Program: 9 AM- 3:30 PM
Location: Blackwood Educational Land Institute
27144 Rock Island Rd, Hempstead, TX 77445
Join us on the farm, get tickets today!
Speaker information and the full schedule are below.
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Sign up for updatesGet involved with food as medicine
Whether you are joining us for the day, lending a hand, or just want the updates, here is where to start. Contact Sarah at sarah@blackwoodland.org for any questions.
Speaker
We are now accepting applications from a variety of health and wellness fields.
Sponsor
Connect with the right people. Review the sponsorship levels, then reserve your place at the conference.
Volunteer
Be part of the team behind the event. Learn more about, volunteering with us.
Schedule
8:30–9:00 AM
Registration
Coffee, tea and light bites.
9:00 AM
Welcome Remarks
9:10–9:30 AM
Opening Conversation
Cath Conlon, Founder of Blackwood
Dr. Gabriel Lopez, Associate Professor and Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Center at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
9:45–10:05 AM
Walk on the Farm
Taste, feel, smell herbs and plants around the farm (20 min). Self guided with the map in the program, three tasting stations around the farm.
Main Farm
10:20–11:15 AM
Panel 1: Roots of Healing
The history of food and medicine with a glimpse into today's most prevalent diseases.
Gathering Hall
Dr. Gabriel Lopez (Moderator)
Wesley McWhorter, DrPH, MS, RDN, LD, CSCS
Dr. Shreela Sharma, Professor & Vice Chair of Epidemiology and Director, Center for Healthy Communities at the University of Texas School of Public Health
Dr. Anu Sidhu, Physician
Kristin Silverberg, RN and Founder of Digging into Health
11:20 AM–12:15 PM
Panel 2: From Soil to Stomach
How does our Soil Health impact the Nutrient Density in our food? A deeper dive into Farming Practices and everything in between.
Gathering Hall
AJ Beard (Moderator), Executive Director of Texas Center for Local Food, Owner of Lone Oak Farm
Anisha Anand, Certified Functional Nutritionist & Personal Wellness Chef
Carol Burton, Director of Permaculture at Urban Harvest
Christine Martin, Owner & Regenerative Rancher of Regen Ranch
Sar Yashinskie, Director of Farm Operations at Blackwood
12:30–12:40 PM
Mindfulness Before Lunch (Optional)
Take a breath of fresh air and ground your body and mind before we feed our bellies.
Kitchen garden
Haley Fountain
12:40–2:00 PM
Lunch
Listen to some tunes, chat with a new friend and enjoy a nourishing Food as Medicine Bowl prepared by Chef Cade and the wonderful Blackwood kitchen team. (meat and vegan options available)
Baleyfield porch
2:00–2:55 PM
Panel 3: Gut Instincts
Microbiome, fermentation and the gut-brain connection.
Gathering Hall
Danielle Mitchell (Moderator), M.Ed., RD, LD, LPC, FMCHC
Agata Dela Cruz, Beekeeper & Founder of Purist
Pat Greer, Garden Godmother
Dr. Charles Rismyhr, MD
3:00–3:20 PM
Closing Session: Community & Connection
A time for reflections
Gathering Hall
Cath Conlon, Founder of Blackwood
Dr. Gabriel Lopez, Associate Professor and Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Center at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
3:20–3:30 PM
Farewell Remarks
Thank you, upcoming events, how to stay connected, etc
Gathering Hall
Thank you to our sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Be a part of the regenerative movement
Reconnect with the land, grow real food, and be a part of restoring the earth in a tangible, meaningful way.
