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National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8390| House 
| Updated: 4/20/2026
Raul Ruiz

Raul Ruiz

Democratic Representative

California

Agriculture Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to establish or expand "Food as Medicine" programs nationwide by creating a grant program under the **Secretary of Health and Human Services**. States can apply for these grants to plan, implement, expand, or evaluate programs that provide **medically supportive food and nutrition interventions** to individuals eligible for Medicaid waivers. The goal is to reduce nutrition-related chronic conditions, address food and nutrition insecurity, and improve overall health, with priority given to states partnering with healthcare networks or providers of locally-sourced agricultural products. Additionally, the **Department of Agriculture** is directed to establish a technical assistance program, entering cooperative agreements with eligible entities like land-grant colleges or food hubs. This program will support producers, especially **beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers** using **regenerative or organic production methods**, to connect with healthcare providers for Food as Medicine initiatives. The bill also mandates reports from states on program impact and from HHS to Congress on best practices, alongside guidance development by HHS for states on program implementation, patient eligibility, and value-based food procurement practices.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9631
National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024
Apr 20, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 20, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9631
    National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024


  • April 20, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 20, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8390| House 
| Updated: 4/20/2026
This bill aims to establish or expand "Food as Medicine" programs nationwide by creating a grant program under the **Secretary of Health and Human Services**. States can apply for these grants to plan, implement, expand, or evaluate programs that provide **medically supportive food and nutrition interventions** to individuals eligible for Medicaid waivers. The goal is to reduce nutrition-related chronic conditions, address food and nutrition insecurity, and improve overall health, with priority given to states partnering with healthcare networks or providers of locally-sourced agricultural products. Additionally, the **Department of Agriculture** is directed to establish a technical assistance program, entering cooperative agreements with eligible entities like land-grant colleges or food hubs. This program will support producers, especially **beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers** using **regenerative or organic production methods**, to connect with healthcare providers for Food as Medicine initiatives. The bill also mandates reports from states on program impact and from HHS to Congress on best practices, alongside guidance development by HHS for states on program implementation, patient eligibility, and value-based food procurement practices.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9631
National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024
Apr 20, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 20, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9631
    National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024


  • April 20, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 20, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Raul Ruiz

Raul Ruiz

Democratic Representative

California

Agriculture Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted