Registered dietitians Vanessa Risetto and Tamar Samuels have launched an innovative solution to address the barriers in dietary care. Their venture, Culina Health, is a virtual nutrition counseling platform aimed at making expert nutritional guidance accessible to everyone. The founders recognized that financial constraints and a scarcity of nearby clinicians often hinder individuals from seeking professional dietary advice.
Empowering Patients Through Accessible Nutrition
Since its inception in 2020, Culina Health has served over 10,000 patients, many of whom found themselves without proper support after receiving a diagnosis or generic dietary advice. Risetto emphasizes that the platform was designed to connect patients with registered dietitians who not only understand the science of nutrition but also acknowledge the realities of everyday life. “The goal was to build a platform where patients could connect with registered dietitians who understand the science and also the realities of everyday life,” she explains.
Despite millions of Americans facing chronic health conditions related to nutrition, only 0.2 percent have consulted with a registered dietitian. Culina aims to bridge this gap by offering personalized, evidence-based nutrition care that empowers individuals to make sustainable dietary changes. Risetto states, “Culina’s mission is to empower people with knowledge, confidence, and support in order to make sustainable changes.”
The company’s inclusive approach recognizes the link between cultural heritage and food. By fostering conversations around food that are approachable and culturally relevant, Culina is reshaping how nutrition care is perceived and accessed.
Insurance Collaboration and Membership Options
Accessibility remains a cornerstone of Culina’s mission. The platform collaborates closely with various insurance providers, leading to a remarkable 93 percent of patients receiving coverage for their services. For those without insurance or whose plans do not cover nutrition counseling, Culina offers flexible out-of-pocket membership options. These plans include individualized intake and counseling services with registered dietitians at reduced rates.
As Culina Health continues to expand, Risetto highlights three main areas of growth. One focus is on leveraging technology, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence, to enhance personalization and efficiency in care delivery. This technological advancement is complemented by the company’s flagship program, The Culina Health Method, which prioritizes evidence-based nutrition coaching and fosters a trusting relationship between dietitians and patients.
On a local level, Culina is building referral partnerships with physicians and health systems to ensure patients can connect with dietitians at the point of need. Nationally and globally, Culina disseminates evidence-based nutrition content through social media, podcasts, and expert platforms, further broadening its reach.
Even as the platform grows, the focus on individual needs remains central to its success. Risetto succinctly captures this sentiment: “Nutrition is deeply personal—it’s tied to culture, family, and identity as much as it is to health.” Culina Health’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity positions it as a leader in the evolving landscape of nutritional care.
As the landscape of healthcare continues to change, Risetto envisions a future where nutrition care is an integral component of overall health, rather than an afterthought. Through its innovative approach, Culina Health is paving the way for a more accessible and personalized nutritional care system.
