Innovation For Good: Culina Health

When Rissetto and Samuels first founded Culina, they did so with the intent of providing access to affordable and personalized evidence-based nutrition care. “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,” says Rissetto.

While millions of Americans currently live with chronic health conditions connected to nutrition, only 0.2 percent of the population have ever consulted with a registered dietitian.

Accessible dietary counselling for everyone

Since its inception in 2020, Culina has served over 10,000 patients, many of whom were “left to their own devices after receiving a diagnosis or generic advice.” Culina’s diverse team of registered dietitians offer nutritional guidance for a wide variety of conditions including as weight management, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, hormone health, eating disorders, diabetes management, and sports nutrition.

When making dietary changes, the goal is never to make the patient feel helpless. Instead, Rissetto says that “Culina’s mission is to empower people with knowledge, confidence, and support in order to make sustainable changes.”

Inclusive care is another essential component of Culina’s mission. Here, the link between cultural heritage and food is not only recognized, it’s encouraged. “By making the conversation around food approachable, inclusive, and culturally relevant, Culina is helping to reshape how nutrition care is perceived and accessed,” says Rissetto.

Dietary expertise for low (or no) cost

Considering the fact that accessibility is one of Culina’s central cornerstones, it’s no surprise that Culina accepts and works closely with most insurance plans. Culina’s effort to connect with insurance companies has been so successful that 93 percent of all Culina patients have received coverage from their insurance provider. By making dietary care more attainable, Rissetto’s “long-term vision is to make nutrition care a standard part of healthcare, not an afterthought.”

Those who don’t have insurance or who aren’t covered by insurance also have options. Culina offers out-of-pocket membership options (based on individual needs) that includes one-on-one intake and counselling services with a registered dietitian for a reduced rate.

Building a strong future

As the services of Culina continue to grow, Rissetto highlights three main areas of expansion. The first is with technology, by “utilizing technological advancements, such as AI, in unique ways to make care more personalized and efficient for our dietitians and patients.”

The company is experiencing growth in its programs, specifically The Culina Health Method, which is founded on the principle of evidence-based nutrition coaching, personalized care, a trusting dietitian-/patient relationship, and a proactive collaboration that seeks to build the patient’s confidence when making food choices.

Culina is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to expand their reach through increased insurance coverage and beyond. On a local level, this means “building referral partnerships with physicians, health systems, and employers so patients get connected to dietitians at the point of need,” shares Rissetto.

Nationally—and now globally—Culina delivers evidence-based nutrition content via social media, podcasts, partnerships, and other expert platforms.

Even as Culina continues to grow at a rapid rate, the emphasis on the needs and context of each individual remains integral to the company’s success. As Rissetto succinctly puts it, “Nutrition is deeply personal—it’s tied to culture, family, and identity as much as it is to health.”

This article was originally published in the January-February 2026 issue of alive magazine (US edition).