Expressing support for the designation of September 14, 2025, as "National Food is Medicine Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 712
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-15: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-24T16:31:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 712) aims to express congressional support for designating September 14, 2025, as "National Food is Medicine Day." It promotes the idea that nutritious food can serve as a tool to prevent, manage, and treat health conditions, particularly chronic diseases, by integrating it into healthcare practices.
Key Provisions
- Background Rationale: The resolution outlines several "Whereas" clauses highlighting the importance of nutrition for health, the scientific evidence supporting "food as medicine" interventions (such as medically tailored meals, groceries, produce, and education), and their potential to reduce healthcare costs. It notes that chronic conditions driven by poor diet account for over 90% of the U.S.'s $4.5 trillion annual healthcare spending, with examples like type 2 diabetes ($144 billion) and ischemic heart disease ($81 billion). It also addresses barriers like food insecurity that worsen health disparities.
- House Actions: The resolution urges the House of Representatives to:
- Support the designation of "National Food is Medicine Day."
- Emphasize the role of healthy food in overall well-being.
- Recognize food as a healthcare tool for managing clinical conditions.
- Acknowledge "food as medicine" as a complement to broader nutrition programs for better health outcomes.
- Encourage the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue research on food as medicine, focusing on evidence of cost-effectiveness, clinical benefits, and feasibility across diverse groups.
- Promote collaboration between HHS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to integrate these interventions.
- Advocate for scaling up "food as medicine" programs in partnership with patients, nonprofits, private healthcare providers, and insurers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on prior congressional, presidential, and state efforts to support nutrition policies but does not create new mandates or alter legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: It encourages HHS and USDA to enhance research, collaboration, and program integration, potentially leading to more federal focus on nutrition-based healthcare without requiring new funding or rules.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness about using food to manage chronic diseases, which could improve health outcomes and reduce costs for individuals facing diet-related conditions like diabetes or heart disease. It may indirectly address food insecurity and health disparities.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the resolution is focused on domestic U.S. health and nutrition policies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients and Individuals: Especially those with chronic diseases influenced by diet, who could benefit from expanded "food as medicine" options.
- Healthcare Providers and Systems: Doctors, hospitals, nonprofits, and insurers involved in delivering or funding nutrition interventions.
- Government Entities: HHS and USDA, urged to lead research and partnerships.
- General Public: All Americans, through heightened emphasis on nutrition's role in preventive health.
- Food and Agriculture Sector: Producers, distributors, and educators supporting nutritious food access.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature; it serves only as an expression of House opinion.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to discuss and promote public health issues under its legislative powers, without infringing on individual rights or state authority.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for integrating nutrition into healthcare, potentially influencing future legislation or funding priorities on chronic disease prevention and food security. It highlights ongoing efforts to address the economic burden of poor diets, fostering momentum for policy advancements without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-15: 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.
- 2025-09-15: 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.
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of September 14, 2025, as "National Food is Medicine Day". — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (3 pages)