The most important voice in nutrition today may be Dr. Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies and public health. As we celebrate National Women's Health Week and the role nutrition plays in lifelong health for women and their families, this month we're drawing inspiration from Dr. Nestle.

In 1996, she founded the Food Studies program at New York University, one of the first of its kind. The program, and others like it, has helped build public awareness of the role food plays in culture. Dr. Nestle's research has looked at the impact of social and economic factors on food choice and food safety.

In 2002, Dr. Nestle wrote Food Politics, a book that brought her work to national attention. She has since written numerous books and articles, appeared in documentaries, and is very active online. On her website, Food Politics, she helps readers understand the latest advice and hype on nutrition, from popular diets and trends to new nutrition studies and FDA policies.

Asked by the Village Voice about the growing interest in food studies, Dr. Nestle inspires us to make a difference.

"You can do something about your own food, you can do something about your neighbor's food, you can do something about school food," she said. "You can do it young and see the results."