Joseph Morelle (D-NY)
Improving Health Through Integrated Food and Nutrition Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers Act
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce, 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the ``Improving Health Through Integrated Food and Nutrition Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers Act''. It sets up a competitive grant program run by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for Federally qualified health centers. The goal is to help these health centers screen for food insecurity, run on-site food pantries, partner with farms and food banks, hire nutrition professionals, and offer nutrition education. The bill also focuses on connecting patients with federal programs like SNAP and WIC. Health centers that get these grants must report on the number of patients served and their community partnerships. Finally, the bill authorizes $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this program.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +8
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The program directly assists low-income populations by integrating food and nutrition services into clinical care.
- Scored +7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The bill integrates nutrition services and food pantry access into clinical care at federally qualified health centers.
- Scored +6
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?
The bill addresses food insecurity by integrating nutritional assistance into clinical care.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3(a)(1) allows Federally qualified health centers to implement food insecurity screening tools, which is positive because it helps identify patients who are struggling to get enough food.
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Section 3(a)(2) lets these health centers operate on-site food pantries, providing a direct benefit to people who need immediate access to food.
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Section 3(a)(4) allows health centers to employ registered dieticians and nutrition professionals, which could give individuals better professional guidance on their health and diet.
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Section 3(d)(1) works to streamline referrals and enrollment in SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs, making it easier for everyday people to get signed up for the food assistance they qualify for.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The program directly assists low-income populations by integrating food and nutrition services into clinical care. Would children be better off under this? — The bill enhances nutrition services through WIC, which supports children. Would women be better off under this? — The bill streamlines enrollment in WIC, which is a program largely utilized by women. Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill encourages partnerships between health centers and farms.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill integrates nutrition services and food pantry access into clinical care at federally qualified health centers. Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes? — The bill encourages Medicaid waivers to support nutrition services as reimbursable care. Does this lower what a hospital stay costs? — Addressing food access is expected to reduce long-term health care costs.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill addresses food insecurity by integrating nutritional assistance into clinical care. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill targets populations disproportionately affected by food insecurity, which often correlates with racial inequities.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill encourages health centers to employ registered dieticians and nutrition professionals.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill empowers the Secretary of HHS to establish and manage a competitive grant program.
- 8/27/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce, 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