National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill creates a new federal grant program so states can launch or expand "Food as Medicine" programs through Medicaid. States would use waivers to provide medically prescribed healthy food and nutrition support to eligible Medicaid patients, targeting conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
• The food provided must be locally or regionally sourced and grown using organic or regenerative farming methods. The bill gives priority to states that already partner with community health clinics and local food organizations, and to farmers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Patients would receive not just prescribed food but also nutrition coaching, cooking classes, group medical visits, and other behavioral supports from registered dietitians and health care professionals.
• The USDA would set up a separate technical assistance program to help farmers, especially beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, connect with local health care providers and supply food for these programs.
• States must report back within three years on whether the program reduced hospital visits, emergency room use, medication needs, and long-term care admissions, giving Congress data to judge whether the approach saves money and improves health.