The bill would create a three-year Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program called Food is Medicine. It would provide medically tailored meals and groceries, nutrition education, and cooking classes to eligible veterans. The program would also train VA health care providers and seek partnerships with community groups to obtain fresh produce and expand food services. The VA would report each year to Congress on participation, health outcomes, quality of life, health care use, program effectiveness, and possible improvements.
Eligible veterans enrolled in the VA health care system who receive care for multiple chronic conditions, or certain maternal health needs and risks, could receive food and nutrition services through the pilot. The bill does not specify how many veterans would take part or where program offices would be located.
The bill authorizes Congress to provide amounts considered necessary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. Funds could support the program, nutrition staff, research and evaluation, and local partnerships. No specific funding amount is stated.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.