Nutrition Education and Chronic Disease Prevention in Community Health Centers Act of 2026

The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to create the Nutrition Education and Chronic Disease Prevention Initiative within federally qualified health centers. This initiative directs the Secretary, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to support health centers in integrating and expanding evidence-based nutrition education and counseling into primary care delivery and workforce training. The goal is to enhance patient-centered nutrition services and improve chronic disease management through dietary interventions. Funds for this initiative can be utilized from existing sources to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for various activities, including: patient-centered nutrition education and counseling; integrating nutrition assessment into chronic disease management; training health center providers in nutrition science; establishing interdisciplinary care models with registered dietitians and community health workers; developing culturally appropriate education materials; and evaluating clinical and cost outcomes of nutrition interventions. The Secretary is mandated to prioritize health centers serving populations with high rates of diet-related chronic disease , food insecurity , or other nutrition-related health disparities. Furthermore, the bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing the use of funds, improvements in patient outcomes, workforce training, and estimated cost savings to federal healthcare programs.