Executive Director
Dr. Charles Platkin is the founder and Executive Director of the Center For Food As Medicine (FoodMedCenter.org), a not-for-profit organization working to bridge the gap between traditional allopathic medicine and the use of food as medicine in the prevention, treatment, and management of disease. Core to its work is the dissemination of reliable, peer-reviewed information, as well as ensuring universal access to healthy, affordable food, and creating a more equitable, smart food system that will improve health outcomes.
A distinguished scholar and influential figure in the fields of public health, nutrition, and food policy, Dr. Platkin has both a Masters Degree and a Ph.D. in Public Health, specializing in nutrition. He also has a law degree, and throughout his career has been dedicated to a multidisciplinary approach to academic research, community health interventions and complex health and policy issues, encompassing law, public health, and nutrition.
Dr. Platkin has occupied influential roles in public health, notably serving as the Executive Director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center from 2012 to 2023. During this time, he played a pivotal role in shaping food-related policies in New York City. His leadership extended to co-founding and operating organizations like Integrated Wellness Solutions, where he leveraged innovative approaches and technology to enhance health and wellness. He is a powerful advocate for healthier communities and for shaping the field of nutrition and food policy in lasting ways.
Dr. Platkin has made significant contributions to the field of public health and nutrition issues through his research. He has published in several peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, including the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, the Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss, the International Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, BioMed Central (BMC) Obesity; and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He is the author of seven books.
Charles Platkin’s contributions to the fields of health, nutrition, and public policy have earned him recognition and numerous accolades. He was cited by the New York State Governor for his contributions to the development of nutrition materials for NYS Mentoring in March 2019, showcasing his dedication to public health and education. He was also honored as a Politics of Food honoree by City & State in November 2018 for his commitment to promoting healthy eating and food policy reform. Additionally, Dr. Platkin’s success as a principal investigator and grant recipient reflects his impact in the field, as he has secured multiple grants to support research and initiatives related to food policy and nutrition.
His first book, Breaking the Pattern (Red Mill Press 2002, Plume 2004), was a bestseller in hardcover; it has been used by addiction clinics to assist patients with resolving drug and alcohol-related issues, and more than 20 universities around the country use it as a text to teach behavioral change techniques to nutrition and dietetic counseling interns. His other titles include The Diet Detective’s Count Down (Simon and Schuster, 2007), The Diet Detective’s Calorie Bargin Bible{Simon and Schuster, 2008), The Diet Detective’s Diet Starter Kit (Diversion, 2011), and The Diet Detective’s All-American Diet (Rodale, 2012).
Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Charles Platkin has engaged with the public through various media outlets. His syndicated health, nutrition, and fitness column, the Diet Detective, appeared in more than 150 daily newspapers and media outlets for nearly 20 years. His appearances on thousands of radio, newspapers, magazines, and online platforms have reached a broad audience. His commitment to educating the public underscores his dedication to public health..
Chief Nutrition Officer
Gayle Reichler, MS, RDN: Gayle is an accomplished Registered Dietitian, Lifestyle Coach, and culinary professional in the field of nutrition and wellness. Gayle contributes as a writer and editor at the Center for Food As Medicine. She’s authored her book “Active Wellness” released internationally, and a cookbook “Feel Good For Life.” She is an Adjunct Professor at New York University, teaching graduate elective courses she created for the Nutrition & Foods Dept., including Wellness Nutrition, which encompasses hands-on nutrition education and Business of Nutrition, teaching students how to write a realistic business plan for an independent nutrition-based business.
As a culinary graduate from the International Culinary Center (formerly the French Culinary Institute), Gayle launched one of NYC’s first successful healthy diet-specific home meal replacement businesses and created the Skinnyme line of stevia-based, gluten-free chocolates for national distribution. She is the Founder of the Active Wellness Program, an 8-week group Wellness Program promoted by the American Heart Association taught in Fortune 500 Companies in New York City, in place of Weight Watchers, by trained Dietitians. The Active Wellness Program encompassed using motivational interviewing to focus on eating, exercise, stress management, and habit change. Her varied skills and ventures underscore her significant impact in wellness and nutrition. Gayle has been a guest lecturer at home and abroad, including Canyon Ranch, has appeared on the Food Network featuring healthy recipes, has created and taught healthy cooking courses at the New School For Social Research, worked as an RD with Dean Ornish and his Preventive Medicine Research Program for over 10 years, and has published original research in JADA, relating to chef’s knowledge of healthy cooking. Gayle is a consultant, editor, and project manager at the Center for Food as Medicine. Gayle is also the Chief Nutrition Officer.
Deputy Director
Sarahrose Hendrickson, MPH is a dedicated public health professional and advocate with a diverse career spanning public health innovation, community empowerment, and entrepreneurial leadership. She earned her Master of Public Health degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from New York University and has worked extensively at the intersection of health equity, systems design, and research.
Currently, Sarahrose collaborates with The Center for Food as Medicine, where she plays a vital role in curating research, managing partnerships, and contributing to impactful strategies that advance nutrition and health initiatives. Previously, she contributed to the development of start-up solutions, gaining valuable experience in strategic operations, evidence-based program design, and data-driven decision-making.
As a former Peace Corps volunteer in eSwatini, Africa, Sarahrose partnered with the Ministry of Health and community leaders to implement nationwide life skills curricula and evidence-based HIV/AIDS education programs. She also facilitated workshops to empower adolescent girls and young women and created platforms for local youth to engage in community development and problem-solving.
In addition to her public health work, Sarahrose is experienced in grant writing, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and leveraging emerging technologies for impactful solutions. She has also led efforts in leadership development and cross-functional collaboration to address complex social challenges. A passionate advocate for innovation and sustainable impact, Sarahrose consistently emphasizes a people-centered approach in all her endeavors.
Sarahrose is committed to advancing public health through innovative strategies and continues to contribute to the field with a blend of creativity, analytical insight, and community-focused leadership.
