This legislation mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and implement a pilot program, to be known as the "Food is Medicine program," within 180 days of enactment. This program is designed to administer medically-tailored meals and groceries to eligible veterans, alongside furnishing nutrition education and cooking classes through qualified professionals. Eligibility for the program extends to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who are managing multiple chronic conditions , such as diabetes, cancer, or heart failure. It also includes veterans receiving maternal health care, including prenatal or postpartum services, who are at risk of conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. The bill requires the VA to develop training for its healthcare providers on integrating this program into veteran treatment plans and to collaborate with community-based organizations for sourcing fresh produce and expanding services. The program is authorized for appropriations from fiscal years 2025 through 2028 and will operate for three years, with annual reports to Congress detailing health outcomes, cost savings, and recommendations.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Armed Forces and National Security
Community life and organizationCongressional oversightEmployment and training programsHealth personnelHealth programs administration and fundingMedical educationNutrition and dietVeterans' medical care
Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-1289| House
| Updated: 3/14/2025
This legislation mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and implement a pilot program, to be known as the "Food is Medicine program," within 180 days of enactment. This program is designed to administer medically-tailored meals and groceries to eligible veterans, alongside furnishing nutrition education and cooking classes through qualified professionals. Eligibility for the program extends to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who are managing multiple chronic conditions , such as diabetes, cancer, or heart failure. It also includes veterans receiving maternal health care, including prenatal or postpartum services, who are at risk of conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. The bill requires the VA to develop training for its healthcare providers on integrating this program into veteran treatment plans and to collaborate with community-based organizations for sourcing fresh produce and expanding services. The program is authorized for appropriations from fiscal years 2025 through 2028 and will operate for three years, with annual reports to Congress detailing health outcomes, cost savings, and recommendations.
Community life and organizationCongressional oversightEmployment and training programsHealth personnelHealth programs administration and fundingMedical educationNutrition and dietVeterans' medical care