Bill · H.R. 8390· House(119-HR-8390)
National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/20/2026
- Last activity
- 4/20/2026 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- Raul Ruiz
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026 aims to establish or expand programs that provide medically supportive food and nutrition interventions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will award grants to States to help implement these programs to reduce nutrition-related chronic conditions and food insecurity. These programs focus on providing locally-sourced agricultural products grown through specific covered methods of production. Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture will provide technical assistance and infrastructure support to producers to connect them with health care providers. The Act also requires the development of specific guidance for States regarding program implementation and patient support.
Yes· 3 of 15
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+7
The bill provides nutritious, medically supportive foods to individuals eligible for Medicaid, specifically targeting food insecurity.
Would farmers be better off under this?+7
The bill creates economic vitality for farmers and ranchers by creating new markets for locally-sourced, regenerative, and organic products.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill promotes regenerative production methods that focus on building soil health and restoring water resources.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Health Improvements: The bill aims to reduce nutrition-related chronic conditions and address food and nutrition insecurity through medically supportive food interventions (Section 2(d)).
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Access to Nutritious Food: Individuals can receive culturally-appropriate, nutrient-rich whole foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean animal protein, prescribed by health care professionals (Section 2(f)(4)(A)).
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Tailored Nutritional Support: Recipients can benefit from meals tailored to their specific health conditions by registered dietitian nutritionists, as well as nutrition coaching, counseling, and cooking education (Section 2(f)(4)(A)).
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Support for Local Producers: The bill prioritizes partnerships with organizations that provide locally or regionally-sourced agricultural products, which can create economic vitality for farmers and ranchers (Section 2(c)(2) and Section 2(f)(6)(B)(iii)).
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Technical Assistance for Farmers: Producers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, can receive technical assistance and infrastructure support to connect with health care providers (Section 3(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+7Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Women+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Rural Development+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6Increases Medicaid Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+5Improves Racial Equity+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+4
- 6/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/20/2026
- 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.
- Introduced in House
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana