The Naturopathic Institute is excited to present the Food Revolution Department as one of the nine departments offered in our Emphasis Certification Program. The Emphasis Certification Program is launching in January 2026 in collaboration with the Embassy of Life Mastery.
Department Overview
In order for people to truly heal, we must begin teaching and serving healthier food, starting from the soil up. Students will learn about vitamins, minerals, fats, food preparations, current toxic additives, dirt, healthy water, various food disciplines, and how to personalize all of this information for each person’s needs.
Courses Required
To earn an Emphasis Certification in Food Revolution, students are required to take seven core classes and 10 emphasis classes. The Naturopathic Institute’s Emphasis Certification program is registered with the state of Michigan and meets the educational requirements.
Program Core Courses
- NHE:Â Biology
- NHE:Â Nutrition
- NHE:Â Elements of Man
- NHT:Â Food as Medicine
- NHT:Â Field Herbology
- NHT:Â Making of Herbal Medicine
- NHP:Â Food as TherapyÂ
Food Revolution Emphasis Courses
Not all courses are offered each year. Review the class schedule guide to learn what is available in any given year.
There are 13 Emphasis Courses offered in the Food Revolution Department. You only need to take 10 of the following 13 Emphasis Courses (in combination with the seven core classes above) to earn an Emphasis Certification in the Food Revolution Department:
- Biodynamic and Sustainable Farming
- Cleansing Recipes from the Garden
- Cooking Keto for Cancer
- Fermentation for the Gut & Immune System
- Food for Healing the Nervous System
- Foods and Recipes for Balancing Hormones
- Herbs for the Kitchen
- How to Prepare Healthy Protein
- How to Preserve Your Own Food in Healthy Ways
- Medicinal Mushroom Extraction
- Preparing the Soil for a Nutritious Garden
- Snacks for Making with Children
- Soups and Sauces
Course Breakdown
Diploma Students
If you are enrolled in the Natural Health Program, you have already completed some of the core classes required to earn the Food Revolution Emphasis Certification. Below are the additional classes you are required to take, based on the number of years in the program you completed, to earn an Emphasis Certification in the Food Revolution Department.
| Program Year Completed | Additional Core Classes Needed | Food Revolution Emphasis Classes |
| Natural Health Educator | 4 | 10 |
| Natural Health Therapist | 1 | 10 |
| Natural Health Practitioner / Certified Naturopath | — | 10 |
Emphasis Certification Only (Non-Diploma Students)
You must complete seven Core Program Classes and 10 of the 13 Food Revolution Emphasis Classes to earn an emphasis certification.
Personal Development
If you are taking an Emphasis Course for personal development, you will not be responsible for the homework or taking the test.
If you choose to take classes in the Emphasis Program for personal growth, then you are not held to the same academic requirements as Certification Students. Please go to the Emphasis Personal Development Page to fill out and submit the Alumni/Guest Individual Class Registration Form.Â
Look for this icon when searching for a class from this department.
2026 Food Revolution Emphasis Course Schedule
1-Day Emphasis Courses are held from 9 am – 5 pm at 503 E. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858, unless otherwise noted.
Not every Emphasis 1-Day Course will be offered every year. Here are the courses in the Food Revolution Department that are being offered in 2026:
Instructor: Amy Korth, Mushroom Extraction Specialist
Course Description: Unlock the healing power of fungi in this full-day, hands-on workshop. Discover the therapeutic benefits of seven powerhouse fungi – Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Shiitake – as their potential is unlocked through extraction. A potent dual-extracted tincture and hot-water extracted powder will be crafted. Also, learn how to infuse extracts into oils and make a batch of nourishing mushroom lotion. Finally, sweeten the experience by incorporating the powders into delicious, functional chocolate bars for an afternoon snack. Each participant will leave with a pint of dual mushroom extract, a jar of luxurious mushroom cream, and a handcrafted mushroom chocolate bar. Regardless of your skill level, this workshop offers practical skills and fungal magic you won’t forget.
Instructor: Cindy Walz
Course Description: Join us for a full-day, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to plan, build, and grow your own raised bed garden. From choosing the right spot to planting with organic methods, we’ll cover everything you need to get started. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a fresh, natural approach to gardening.
Instructor: Barb Nurenberg, CN, ND
Course Description: One of the simplest skills we can learn to change our gut and immune health is to make use of the lost traditions of fermenting our food. This will be another hands-on opportunity to learn as you do. We will learn how to make:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Kimchi
- Sour Krout
- Pickles
- Water Keifer
- And more
The best part will be the tasting of these items that were already prepared.
Instructor: Cindy Walz
Course Description: We will learn to use herbs for flavor and health, create herbal seasoning blends, cooking techniques for healthy eating, herbal medicine making, how to support specific health goals, how to build an herbal pantry, and how to find your body’s flavor profile.
