Food, Health, Talent »

By Saira Toppin

Tricia Williams of Food Matters NYC is a culinary nutritionist who has developed a new initiative called the Early Childhood Palate Development Program. This program is designed to metabolically program children on a cellular level to seek out healthy, whole foods. My youngest sibling is 13 and he still hates his vegetables. I wonder if it works on adolescent teens… I will have to see, because the program can start with children as young as six months. Through this program, Williams takes parents through the aisles of the market showcasing the benefits of locally grown, organic, and seasonal foods. She understands that exposing kids to fresh, organic foods will prevent obesity, disease and promote emotional, physical and intellectual health. Let’s pepper Williams with a few questions and better understand this program.

Women’s Mafia: What inspired you to cook?

Tricia Williams: I used to make pasta with my grandma. In my previous life I was a pastry and restaurant chef; now I’m a holistic chef and counselor. My current work with families was inspired by the birth of my first child.

WM: Was healthy eating and proper nutrition always a goal when cooking, or did you secretly put taste and customer satisfaction first, or was it the perfect combination?

TW: Sometimes it was about making food that wasn’t necessary healthy. Later in my career I combined my interest in healthy food with my work. Healthy food should just be perceived as food; often times healthy dishes are unapproachable to the average person, like a raw kale and carrot salad. Coming from a background and having the sensibilities of a traditional chef helped me bridge the gap to make healthy foods approachable, enjoyable, and delicious.

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