A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — 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.
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
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
- Scored +7
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill provides nutritious, medically supportive foods to individuals eligible for Medicaid, specifically targeting food insecurity.
- Scored +7
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill creates economic vitality for farmers and ranchers by creating new markets for locally-sourced, regenerative, and organic products.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill creates economic vitality for farmers and ranchers by creating new markets for locally-sourced, regenerative, and organic products. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides nutritious, medically supportive foods to individuals eligible for Medicaid, specifically targeting food insecurity. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically supports Native-led stewardship practices within its definition of regenerative production. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill explicitly aims to improve human health and economic vitality in rural communities. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions for culturally-appropriate food interventions which can benefit diverse ethnic groups. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill's primary focus is on Medicaid-eligible populations rather than middle-income households. Would women be better off under this? — The bill's benefits for women are implicitly tied to general health and food security improvements.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill promotes regenerative production methods that focus on building soil health and restoring water resources. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill provides infrastructure support to producers to connect them with local health care providers, benefiting rural economies.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill expands healthcare access by integrating medically supportive food and nutrition interventions into standard care through Medicaid. Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes? — The bill establishes a Medicaid waiver grant program to fund medically supportive food and nutrition interventions.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill addresses food insecurity and nutrition insecurity, which are key drivers of poverty. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill prioritizes assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, which can help narrow racial gaps in agricultural economic opportunity.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides technical assistance and infrastructure support specifically for producers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill supports the creation of supportive livelihoods and a healthy food and agriculture workforce through technical assistance and infrastructure support.
- 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