National Food As Medicine Act

Overview

The National Food As Medicine Program Act of 2024 introduces a comprehensive approach to addressing nutrition-related chronic conditions and enhancing public health by establishing a Food as Medicine Waiver Grant program. This program aims to help initiate, implement, and expand interventions that integrate food as a key component of medical care. Additionally, the Act establishes a USDA Food as Medicine Technical Assistance Program, designed to help producers connect with local healthcare systems, enabling them to deliver Food as Medicine interventions to communities in need.

To further support these efforts, the Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and issue comprehensive guidance to states and counties. This guidance will assist in the planning, implementation, and expansion of Food as Medicine programs across the country. Furthermore, the Act mandates that the HHS Secretary submit a report to Congress, providing an evaluation of the impact of these programs, ensuring transparency and accountability in their effectiveness in improving public health outcomes.