National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026

The National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026 proposes to establish a federal grant program for states to create or expand "Food as Medicine" initiatives under Medicaid waivers. These programs would provide medically supportive food and nutrition interventions, like tailored meals or produce prescriptions, to Medicaid-eligible individuals with nutrition-related chronic conditions or food insecurity. The bill also directs the Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to farmers, especially socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers, to help them supply regeneratively or organically produced local food to these programs. Furthermore, it mandates federal guidance for states on implementing these programs, including eligibility criteria, provider roles, and procurement methods, aiming to integrate food interventions into healthcare.