Vanessa Risetto and Tamar Samuels, both registered dietitians, have launched a transformative virtual platform aimed at making nutrition counseling more accessible. Founded in 2020, Culina Health addresses significant barriers to dietary care such as financial constraints and geographical limitations, which often prevent individuals from consulting with qualified professionals.
Recognizing that millions of individuals suffer from chronic health conditions linked to diet, yet only 0.2 percent of the population has sought advice from a registered dietitian, Risetto and Samuels envisioned a service that would bridge this gap. “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,” Risetto stated.
Empowering Patients with Personalized Care
Since its inception, Culina has successfully served over 10,000 patients, many of whom felt abandoned after receiving diagnoses or generic dietary advice. The team at Culina offers tailored nutritional guidance for various conditions, including weight management, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, hormone health, eating disorders, diabetes management, and sports nutrition. Risetto emphasizes that the platform’s mission is to empower individuals, stating, “Culina’s mission is to empower people with knowledge, confidence, and support in order to make sustainable changes.”
Inclusivity is at the core of Culina’s approach. The platform actively recognizes the connection between cultural heritage and food, fostering a dialogue that is both approachable and culturally relevant. Risetto noted, “By making the conversation around food approachable, inclusive, and culturally relevant, Culina is helping to reshape how nutrition care is perceived and accessed.” This commitment to inclusivity extends to insurance coverage; Culina collaborates with various insurance providers, resulting in 93 percent of its patients receiving coverage for their services.
Innovating Nutrition Care Through Technology
For those without insurance or whose plans do not cover dietary services, Culina offers flexible out-of-pocket membership options tailored to individual needs. This includes comprehensive one-on-one intake and counseling sessions with registered dietitians at reduced rates. As the platform evolves, Risetto highlighted three key areas for expansion, beginning with the integration of technology. “Utilizing technological advancements, such as AI, in unique ways to make care more personalized and efficient for our dietitians and patients,” she explained.
The growth of Culina also includes the development of The Culina Health Method, which focuses on evidence-based nutrition coaching, personalized care, and building a trusting relationship between dietitian and patient. This proactive approach aims to instill confidence in patients as they navigate food choices.
On a local level, Culina seeks to establish referral partnerships with physicians, health systems, and employers, ensuring patients are connected with dietitians at critical moments. Nationally, and now globally, the platform disseminates evidence-based nutrition content through social media, podcasts, and other expert channels, significantly broadening its reach.
As Culina continues to expand rapidly, the emphasis on individual needs remains central to its mission. Risetto succinctly captures this sentiment by stating, “Nutrition is deeply personal—it’s tied to culture, family, and identity as much as it is to health.” Through their innovative approach, Risetto and Samuels are reshaping the landscape of nutrition care, making it more accessible and relevant to diverse populations.
