Jessica Swift Harrell, M.Sc., RDN, LD, IFNCP

Title:Contributing WriterEducation:Johnson & Wales University, Michigan State University, Howard UniversityLocation:Washington, D.C.Expertise:Culinary nutrition, inflammation, gut health, functional foods, integrative and functional nutrition, cultural foods, cultural competency, nutrition entrepreneurshipJessica Swift Harrell, popularly known as Chef Jess, is a classically trained chef, registered dietitian nutritionist and food-as-medicine expert. As the founder of a medically tailored meal and corporate wellness company, Jess has created wellness programs and partnered with major brands like Kaiser Permanente, Ocean Spray and Beachbody to promote healthy eating and lifestyle changes.Chef Jess is a media personality and trusted nutrition authority who has been featured in outlets such as US News & World Report, NBC’s Today show, Food Network, Elle and Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio. She possesses the unique ability to translate the latest research into delectable creations, honoring and embracing diverse cultures, while advocating that good health is not only attainable but also enjoyable.Her dedication to sustainability and innovation earned her the title of Unilever’s Agent of Change.In addition to her corporate and media work, Jess is an educator and leader in the nutrition field. She serves on the District of Columbia Board of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy board. As an adjunct professor at Howard University and Prince George’s Community College, she is committed to shaping the next generation of dietitians. In 2024, she was honored with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Susan T. Borra Nutrition Advancing Food and Nutrition Communications Fellowship Award.A.A.S. in Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University; B.S. in Dietetics, Michigan State University; M.Sc. in Nutritional Sciences, Howard UniversityEatingWell, aDotdash Meredith Brand, has been publishing award-winning journalism about food, nutrition and sustainability since 1990. Our mission is to share flavor-packed recipes from around the world, celebrating fresh ingredients and the farmers, artisans and chefs who bring them to our table. Through science-backed nutrition advice and smart stories about sustainability, we help readers live their best lives. Learn moreabout usand oureditorial process.

Title:Contributing Writer

Education:Johnson & Wales University, Michigan State University, Howard University

Location:Washington, D.C.

Expertise:Culinary nutrition, inflammation, gut health, functional foods, integrative and functional nutrition, cultural foods, cultural competency, nutrition entrepreneurship

Jessica Swift Harrell, popularly known as Chef Jess, is a classically trained chef, registered dietitian nutritionist and food-as-medicine expert. As the founder of a medically tailored meal and corporate wellness company, Jess has created wellness programs and partnered with major brands like Kaiser Permanente, Ocean Spray and Beachbody to promote healthy eating and lifestyle changes.Chef Jess is a media personality and trusted nutrition authority who has been featured in outlets such as US News & World Report, NBC’s Today show, Food Network, Elle and Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio. She possesses the unique ability to translate the latest research into delectable creations, honoring and embracing diverse cultures, while advocating that good health is not only attainable but also enjoyable.Her dedication to sustainability and innovation earned her the title of Unilever’s Agent of Change.In addition to her corporate and media work, Jess is an educator and leader in the nutrition field. She serves on the District of Columbia Board of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy board. As an adjunct professor at Howard University and Prince George’s Community College, she is committed to shaping the next generation of dietitians. In 2024, she was honored with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Susan T. Borra Nutrition Advancing Food and Nutrition Communications Fellowship Award.

Chef Jess is a media personality and trusted nutrition authority who has been featured in outlets such as US News & World Report, NBC’s Today show, Food Network, Elle and Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio. She possesses the unique ability to translate the latest research into delectable creations, honoring and embracing diverse cultures, while advocating that good health is not only attainable but also enjoyable.Her dedication to sustainability and innovation earned her the title of Unilever’s Agent of Change.

In addition to her corporate and media work, Jess is an educator and leader in the nutrition field. She serves on the District of Columbia Board of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy board. As an adjunct professor at Howard University and Prince George’s Community College, she is committed to shaping the next generation of dietitians. In 2024, she was honored with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Susan T. Borra Nutrition Advancing Food and Nutrition Communications Fellowship Award.

A.A.S. in Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University; B.S. in Dietetics, Michigan State University; M.Sc. in Nutritional Sciences, Howard University

EatingWell, aDotdash Meredith Brand, has been publishing award-winning journalism about food, nutrition and sustainability since 1990. Our mission is to share flavor-packed recipes from around the world, celebrating fresh ingredients and the farmers, artisans and chefs who bring them to our table. Through science-backed nutrition advice and smart stories about sustainability, we help readers live their best lives. Learn moreabout usand oureditorial process.