Bill 118 s 5632, also known as the Food is Medicine Pilot Program Act, is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of food insecurity and its impact on public health. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and oversee a pilot program that will provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs.
These programs are designed to provide individuals with access to nutritious food that can help prevent or manage chronic diseases. The grants will be used to fund initiatives such as community gardens, food banks, and meal delivery services that focus on providing healthy and balanced meals to those in need.
In addition to supporting Food is Medicine programs, the bill also includes provisions for evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program and reporting on its outcomes. This data will be used to inform future policy decisions related to food assistance programs and public health initiatives.
Overall, the Food is Medicine Pilot Program Act seeks to address the root causes of health disparities by promoting access to healthy food options for vulnerable populations. By investing in these programs, the bill aims to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with diet-related illnesses.