National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 20, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to integrate medically supportive food and nutrition interventions into healthcare, particularly for Medicaid recipients, by leveraging state programs and supporting local, sustainably-minded agricultural producers.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help states create or expand 'Food as Medicine' programs for Medicaid-eligible individuals, utilizing Section 1115 waivers. It also directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide technical assistance to farmers, especially beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, to connect them with these programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates HHS to develop guidance for states on implementing these programs and requires a joint report to Congress on their effectiveness.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that integrating food as medicine directly addresses nutrition-related chronic conditions and food insecurity, which are major drivers of healthcare costs and poor health outcomes. They contend that providing access to healthy, prescribed food can improve patient health, reduce hospitalizations, and lower long-term healthcare expenditures, while simultaneously supporting local and sustainable agricultural economies.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that expanding Medicaid to include food provision could create significant administrative burdens and increase federal and state healthcare costs without clear, immediate evidence of cost-effectiveness. Concerns could also be raised about the federal government's role in dictating specific agricultural production methods, potentially limiting food sourcing options or creating an uneven playing field for farmers.
The bill is relatively short and clearly structured, making it accessible for a quick but informed read by interested stakeholders and policymakers.
Section 2
Food as Medicine Medicaid Waiver Grant Program
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program for states. These grants are intended to help states plan, implement, expand, or evaluate 'Food as Medicine' programs, which provide medically supportive food and nutrition interventions to individuals eligible for medical assistance under a Section 1115 Medicaid waiver. Priority is given to states that partner with healthcare providers or organizations supplying locally/regionally sourced agricultural products using covered methods of production.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses health disparities and chronic diseases by integrating food as a preventative and therapeutic tool within the healthcare system, improving patient outcomes and potentially reducing healthcare costs.
Critics contend
Some might argue that this expands the federal role in healthcare beyond its traditional scope, potentially leading to increased administrative complexity and costs for states and the federal government, without guaranteed long-term health or cost benefits.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the potential for improved public health and reduced healthcare costs against the administrative complexity and financial investment required to integrate food systems into healthcare.
Section 2(f)
Key Definitions for Food as Medicine Programs
This subsection defines critical terms for the bill's implementation. It specifies what constitutes a 'Food as Medicine program' (state programs using 1115 waivers for medically supportive food), 'medically supportive food and nutrition interventions' (culturally-appropriate, nutrient-rich whole food prescribed by a health care professional, including tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and behavioral supports), and 'covered method of production' (regenerative, organic, or both). It also defines 'food hub,' 'organically produced,' and 'regeneratively produced' in detail.
Section 3
USDA Food as Medicine Technical Assistance Program
This section mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide technical assistance and infrastructure support to farmers. The goal is to enable these producers to connect with local healthcare providers for the purpose of supplying nutritious food to the 'Food as Medicine' programs established under Section 2. The USDA will enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities, such as land-grant colleges, food hubs, or Regional Food Business Centers, with priority given to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and those using covered methods of production.
Section 4
Joint Report to Congress on Program Effectiveness
This section mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, submit a report to Congress. This report is due within one year after the first grant is awarded under Section 2. It must include information received from states regarding their Food as Medicine programs, such as evaluations of health, nutrition, and behavioral outcomes, impacts on hospital admissions, medication utilization, and emergency room visits. The report will also include the Secretary's recommendations for best practices.
Section 5
HHS Guidance on Food as Medicine Program Implementation
This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with various federal officials and diverse stakeholders, to develop and issue recommendations and guidance within one year of enactment. This guidance will cover how states can implement or expand Food as Medicine programs, including clinical nutrition training for healthcare providers, patient nutritional and behavioral support, and specific details on eligible populations (including food/nutrition insecurity), intervention duration and dosage, value-based procurement of food (with incentives for socially disadvantaged farmers using covered methods), determination of eligible providers, and continuing education for prescribers. A 30-day public comment period is required before finalization.