On this episode of My City Talks, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Sarah Donovan of Broadlawns Medical Center to explore the complex layers of food insecurity in Des Moines. From the role of culture and community in food access to how employment, transportation, and awareness shape outcomes, Sarah shares both professional insights and personal reflections.

This conversation highlights the connections between health equity, social determinants, and community partnerships—reminding us that solving hunger isn’t just about food pantries, it’s about systemic change.

Tune in as we lead up to the My City My Health Conference on November 14 in Des Moines, where Sarah will join the Food Insecurity panel.

Show Notes:
00:00 – Welcome to My City Talks
01:18 – Introducing Sarah Donovan
02:43 – Why she returned to Des Moines
04:14 – Understanding food insecurity in our community
06:40 – Supporting employees facing insecurity
09:20 – Food as culture and community
10:00 – Launching food pantries at Drake University
11:25 – Why partnerships matter in food access
13:13 – Beyond band-aid solutions
14:19 – Education, awareness & community health workers
15:24 – Broadlawns interpreter services & community health work
16:45 – Looking forward to the My City My Health Conference
17:06 – Final thoughts & invitation to connect

Connect with Sarah Donovan on LinkedIn
Learn more about the My City My Health Conference: mycity.health

In this episode of My City Talks, powered by My City My Health, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Jasmine Brooks, project manager for the USDA-backed Double Up Food Bucks program in Iowa. Together, they explore the realities of food insecurity, the cultural significance of food, and the importance of choice in nutrition.

From the lost art of cooking to the challenges of accessing fresh produce through SNAP, Jasmine shares real-life insights on how programs like Double Up Iowa are helping families stretch their dollars, support local farmers, and reclaim their health. This conversation is a preview of the upcoming My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14, where leaders, advocates, and community members will gather to move from conversation to action.

🎟️ Register for the conference: https://mycity.health

🔗 Learn more about Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org

Topics covered in this episode:

• Jasmine’s journey into food insecurity work (01:00)
• How Double Up Food Bucks stretches SNAP dollars (02:45)
• Why food insecurity is about more than “boxes of food” (04:00)
• Cooking as a lost art (05:30)
• Eating for color: simple nutrition tips (06:30)
• Cultural pride vs. healthy eating (10:00)
• Access, education, and the stigma of food assistance (13:00)
• How Double Up Food Bucks supports local farmers & grocers (18:00)
• SNAP, Medicaid, and funding challenges in Iowa (20:00)
• Turning conversation into action at My City My Health (25:00)
• How to connect with Jasmine Brooks & Double Up Iowa (30:00)

Resources & Links:

• 🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov. 14): https://mycity.health

• 🌱 Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org

• 💡 Presented by UnityPoint Health: https://www.unitypoint.org

👉 Want to continue the conversation in person? Join us at the My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025

In this episode of My City Talks, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. Gregory Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities around Black men’s health in Iowa.

They dive into why Black men are less likely to seek preventive care, the importance of screenings for prostate and colon cancer, and the role of social determinants of health in shaping outcomes. Dr. Johnson also shares insights on the financial cost of health inequities, how telemedicine can bridge access gaps, and why patients should see their doctors as partners in health.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of prevention, access, and how health systems can better meet communities where they are.

Show Notes – Black Men’s Health, Prevention & Equity in Iowa w/ Dr. Gregory Johnson

00:00 – Intro & Welcome
01:00 – Dr. Gregory Johnson’s journey into medicine and leadership
04:40 – From bedside medicine to population health
07:30 – What healthcare access really means: speed to treatment & patient experience
10:00 – Why Black men avoid going to the doctor and the cost of waiting
13:30 – Prevention matters: prostate, colon, and heart disease screenings
16:40 – The financial toll of health inequities in Iowa ($8.6B annually)
19:30 – Barriers to access: transportation and social determinants of health
23:40 – Meeting patients where they are & community-based solutions
25:00 – Doctors as partners in health, not just transactions
27:20 – Diabetes in Iowa: 100,000 undiagnosed cases
29:00 – Innovation in access: telemedicine and rural outreach
32:00 – Closing thoughts, My City My Health conference, and where to connect