summary
Introduced
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
In Committee
03/14/2025
03/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A BILL To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a pilot program to administer to eligible veterans medically-tailored meals and groceries, and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a three-year pilot program called the "Food is Medicine program" within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aimed at providing nutritional support to eligible veterans. The program will administer medically-tailored meals and groceries, which are specially designed nutritious food items customized to help manage specific health conditions, to veterans with multiple chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart failure, or those receiving maternal health care. The VA will provide nutrition education and cooking classes through registered dieticians, nutritionists, and community health workers, and develop training programs for VA healthcare providers to integrate this nutritional approach into veteran treatment plans. The program will seek to collaborate with community organizations to source fresh, local produce and expand meal availability. The VA is required to ensure geographic diversity in program implementation and submit annual reports to Congress detailing veteran participation, health outcomes, program effectiveness, and potential improvements. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal years 2025-2028 to develop and operate the program, hire nutrition specialists, conduct research, and establish local partnerships. Eligible veterans must be enrolled in the VA's annual patient enrollment system and meet specific health condition criteria.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (on 03/14/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
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State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1289/all-info |
BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr1289/BILLS-119hr1289ih.pdf |
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