FOOD for Health Act

Bill Number: H.R. 7906
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Agriculture and Food
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-12: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
Last Updated: 2026-05-01T21:41:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The FOOD for Health Act aims to improve health outcomes for individuals affected by diet-related diseases by establishing a federal pilot program. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to provide grants to community organizations partnering with healthcare providers. These grants support "Food is Medicine" programs, which use nutrition as a tool to prevent, treat, or recover from conditions linked to poor diet, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Key Provisions

Pilot Program Establishment: Within 2 years of enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture must create a competitive grant program for eligible entities, including community-based organizations (like food banks) working with healthcare providers (like clinics).
Grant Application and Uses: Entities apply with details determined by the Secretary. Funds can support:
On-site emergency food distribution.
Customized delivery of groceries, meals, or produce prescriptions tailored to medical needs.
Education on cooking skills, including virtual options.
Strategies for dietary changes and other health improvements.
Transportation for participants to access services.
Priorities in Awarding Grants: Preference goes to programs that:
Use local and regional foods.
Involve registered dietitians or nutrition experts.
Equity and Diversity Requirements: Grants must promote geographic balance, fair access for urban, rural, tribal communities, and U.S. territories, while focusing on better health results.
Reporting Requirements:
An initial report to Congress 2 years after the program starts, evaluating efficiency, patient health improvements, and cost savings.
A final report 6 years after startup, updating the initial analysis.
Reports cover program details, participant selection, targeted diseases, food strategies, nutrition therapy effects, and overall health impacts (including mental health).
Funding: Authorizes $20 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Definitions:
Diet-related disease: Conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, mental illnesses (e.g., depression), and others as deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
Food is Medicine program: Initiatives providing food or nutrition counseling to those with, at risk of, or recovering from diet-related diseases.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new pilot program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with no direct amendments to prior laws mentioned. It builds on existing federal nutrition efforts (e.g., food assistance programs) by integrating them with healthcare, creating a novel interdisciplinary approach to link agriculture and public health funding.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: USDA will administer the program and coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), increasing workload for grant management and reporting. This could foster collaboration between agencies but requires new administrative resources.
Citizens: Individuals with diet-related diseases may gain better access to affordable, healthy food and nutrition support, potentially reducing illness severity, healthcare visits, and costs. Rural, tribal, and underserved communities could see improved equity in health services.
International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program focuses on domestic U.S. communities and territories.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Community-Based Organizations: Food banks, emergency feeding programs, and similar groups that can apply for and run the initiatives.
Healthcare Providers: Clinics and professionals (e.g., dietitians) partnering to deliver nutrition therapy.
Patients and At-Risk Individuals: People with or at risk for diet-related diseases, especially in underserved areas, who benefit from food and education services.
Federal Agencies: USDA (lead) and HHS (coordinator) for implementation and evaluation.
Congress: Receives reports to assess program success, potentially influencing future funding or expansions.
Local Food Producers: Farmers and suppliers providing regional foods, which could boost local economies.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Establishes a discretionary grant program with broad Secretary authority to define terms (e.g., additional diseases), allowing flexibility but requiring clear guidelines to avoid challenges. Emphasizes evidence-based practices, aligning with federal health policy standards.
Constitutional: Supports the general welfare clause by addressing public health through federal spending, with no apparent conflicts; equity provisions promote equal protection for diverse communities.
Political: Signals bipartisan interest in nutrition-health links (introduced by a diverse group of representatives), potentially paving the way for permanent programs if pilot succeeds. The $20 million authorization is modest, minimizing fiscal debates, but reports could spark discussions on scaling amid rising diet-related health costs.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]

Recent Actions

2026-03-12: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
2026-03-12: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
2026-03-12: Introduced in House
2026-03-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Fueling Optimal Outcomes through Diet for Health Act — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (6 pages)