DINE Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3235
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Social Welfare
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-20: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-06T13:34:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Disease Intervention through Nutrition Education Act (DINE Act) aims to improve health outcomes for older Americans by integrating food-based interventions—such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions—into existing services under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA). These interventions treat nutrition as a form of medicine to prevent diseases and promote better health.
Key Provisions
- Expanded Definition of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services (amending OAA Section 102(14)):
- Includes screening older adults for eligibility in federal, non-federal, and community-based "food is medicine" programs as part of routine health checks.
- Requires referrals to these food programs for older adults and their caregivers when appropriate.
- Recognizes improved nutrition from sources like medically tailored meals (customized food plans based on health needs) and produce prescriptions (vouchers or scripts for fresh fruits and vegetables).
- Updated Administration of Nutrition Services (amending OAA Section 205(a)(2)(A)):
- Encourages the use of innovative systems, including food-based interventions like produce prescriptions, to deliver nutrition services.
- Promotes strategies and intervention programs, such as produce prescriptions, to enhance nutrition delivery.
- Enhanced Nutrition Education (amending OAA Section 214(2)(C)):
- Broadens education efforts to include interventions alongside other health topics.
- Adds requirements for referrals to food-based intervention programs as part of nutrition counseling.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill modifies the OAA, a law that funds services for people aged 60 and older, by explicitly incorporating modern nutrition strategies like "food is medicine" programs, which were not previously mentioned.
- It shifts from general nutrition support to targeted, evidence-based interventions, mandating screenings, referrals, and innovative approaches in definitions, administration, and education sections.
- These changes build on the OAA's focus on preventive health but add specificity to address food insecurity and diet-related diseases through accessible programs.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Older adults may gain easier access to free or subsidized healthy foods, potentially improving nutrition, reducing chronic disease risks (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), and lowering healthcare costs. Caregivers and families could benefit from integrated referrals.
- On Government Agencies: The Administration for Community Living (under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and state/local agencies administering OAA programs will need to update training, screening processes, and partnerships with community organizations, possibly increasing administrative workload but enhancing program effectiveness.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. programs for seniors.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Older Americans (aged 60+): Primary beneficiaries through expanded access to nutrition interventions.
- Healthcare and Nutrition Providers: Doctors, counselors, and service coordinators must incorporate screenings and referrals into routines.
- Community-Based Organizations: Non-profits and local food programs will see increased involvement in "food is medicine" initiatives.
- Federal and State Agencies: Entities like the Administration for Community Living and area agencies on aging will implement and fund these changes.
- Policymakers and Advocates: Senators and groups focused on aging, hunger, and public health will influence enforcement and expansion.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the OAA's preventive health framework without creating new funding mandates, relying on existing appropriations; may require guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services to clarify implementation.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and promote general welfare (under Article I, Section 8), with no apparent conflicts to federalism or individual rights.
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of addressing aging populations and food insecurity, potentially setting a precedent for integrating nutrition into broader healthcare policy; could face debates over costs versus health benefits in future funding cycles.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-20: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Disease Intervention through Nutrition Education Act — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (3 pages)