Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles began her journey not in a nonprofit kitchen or at a health equity summit, but in the heart of an ICU, where she witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of poor nutrition on patients. As a nurse deeply committed to the well-being of marginalized communities, she often encountered patients suffering from preventable conditions—diabetes, heart disease, obesity—exacerbated by a lack of access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food. These critical moments were not just clinical data points for Dr. Sharine Forbes—they were emotional, personal, and deeply motivating. They planted the seed for what would eventually become Eat Karma, a nonprofit with a powerful mission to bridge the gap between health, culture, and nutrition.
A Central Park Moment That Sparked a Movement
Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles, alongside friend and community advocate Rosa Nunez, had a pivotal conversation in Central Park during the autumn of 2013. While their children played in the golden hues of fall, the women lamented the lack of affordable, healthy food options in their neighborhood. For Dr. Sharine Forbes, the issue was not new—but this moment served as a catalyst. It reminded her that community transformation begins with everyday conversations and shared concern. The vision for Eat Karma was reignited—this time, with a more refined purpose: delivering meals that are not just healthy, but tailored to the unique medical and cultural needs of underserved populations.
From Clinical Observation to Cultural Revolution
What makes the journey of Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles so compelling is how it evolved from individual clinical encounters to a scalable, community-driven solution. Through her studies at the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Dr. Sharine Forbes gained a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health. She began to see clearly how systemic inequities around food access were not just inconvenient—they were deadly. Patients were often discharged with prescriptions and dietary plans they simply could not follow due to geographic or financial constraints. Worse yet, those plans often ignored cultural preferences, making compliance even more difficult. Dr. Sharine Forbes knew that change had to come not from the top down, but from within the communities themselves.
Eat Karma: Health Equity Through Every Bite
Under the leadership of Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles, Eat Karma was founded as a nonprofit with a singular yet multifaceted mission: to provide culturally relevant, medically tailored meals to individuals in food deserts. The meals are not just nutritious—they are meaningful. They reflect the flavors, spices, and cooking traditions of the communities they serve. At the same time, they meet specific dietary needs such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, or renal-safe requirements. Dr. Sharine Forbes insists that food should never be a compromise between culture and health. With every meal served, Eat Karma reaffirms its dedication to promoting dignity, agency, and wellness.
Why Culture Is Central to the Work of Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles
The impact of food on health is undeniable, but for Dr. Sharine Forbes, the real revolution lies in food’s emotional and cultural significance. She understands that food is more than sustenance—it is identity, memory, and connection. Patients who feel alienated by unfamiliar dietary plans are less likely to follow them. This is especially true in immigrant communities and communities of color, where food plays a central role in rituals, traditions, and social life. Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles integrates this understanding into every aspect of Eat Karma’s operations, ensuring that clients are nourished both physically and emotionally.
Scaling a Vision Rooted in Compassion
What started as a grassroots initiative has grown into a model for how nutrition can be used as a public health tool. Today, Eat Karma serves countless individuals across food-insecure communities, thanks to the tireless work of Dr. Sharine Forbes and her dedicated team. With the support of a diverse board of professionals, the organization continues to expand its reach, using data and storytelling to advocate for systemic change. Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles doesn’t just deliver meals—she delivers hope. Her organization is part of a growing movement that redefines healthcare to include the kitchen as much as the clinic.
The Intersection of Public Policy and Personal Agency
Dr. Sharine Forbes understands that real change requires both personal empowerment and systemic reform. Eat Karma works in partnership with healthcare providers, local governments, and advocacy groups to ensure that medically tailored meals become a reimbursable service under Medicaid and Medicare. Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles actively engages in policy discussions, using her voice and experience to push for legislation that supports food-as-medicine initiatives. Through her leadership, Eat Karma not only feeds individuals but also helps reshape the policies that govern food access and public health.
Voices from the Community: Testimonials That Inspire
Stories from recipients of Eat Karma’s services speak volumes. A single mother with diabetes who can now control her condition without hospital readmissions. An elderly couple who say their culturally familiar meals have restored a sense of dignity. These aren’t just statistics—they are the human echoes of the compassionate work led by Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles. Such testimonials offer proof that food equity is not a luxury, but a necessity, and that culturally attuned care can be a powerful driver of health outcomes.
Looking Ahead: The Future Vision of Dr. Sharine Forbes
Dr. Sharine Forbes has no intention of slowing down. Her future plans for Eat Karma include expanding to other underserved regions, partnering with culinary schools to train future chefs in cultural nutrition, and launching educational programs to teach communities how to advocate for their dietary needs. Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles sees a world where medically tailored, culturally relevant food is the norm, not the exception—a future where every individual, regardless of income or background, can truly “eat good, feel good, and be good.”
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Healing and Empowerment
Dr. Sharine Forbes of Los Angeles has created more than a nonprofit—she has birthed a movement that challenges the status quo and uplifts those left behind by traditional healthcare systems. From ICU beds to kitchen tables, her work reminds us that healing doesn’t begin with a prescription pad—it begins with understanding, compassion, and a plate of food made with care. In the journey of Dr. Sharine Forbes, we see the power of one person to transform lives and build a healthier, more inclusive world—one meal at a time.
