H.R. 10171: Improving Health Through Integrated Food and Nutrition Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers Act

This bill would create a new federal grant program for Federally Qualified Health Centers (community health clinics that serve many low-income and underserved patients). The program would be run by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration.

What the grants could be used for

Health centers could apply for competitive grants to build or expand services that connect food and nutrition support with medical care. Eligible uses include:

• screening patients for food insecurity;
• operating on-site food pantries;
• partnering with food banks, farms, and nutrition assistance programs;
• hiring registered dietitians and other nutrition professionals; and
• providing nutrition education tailored to different cultural and community needs.

Support and coordination

The bill would require the agency to provide grant recipients with training, best practices, and help with data collection, evaluation, and reporting. It would also direct federal agencies to coordinate so that health centers can more easily refer patients to and help them enroll in nutrition programs such as SNAP and WIC, as well as other related programs.

The bill also encourages the use of Medicaid waivers or demonstration projects to make nutrition services reimbursable, and it asks the agencies to look for ways to fund food and nutrition interventions through value-based payment models.

Reporting requirements

Health centers that receive grants would have to submit annual reports describing:

• how many patients were served;
• how many referrals and enrollments were made in SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs; and
• the partnerships and resources used through the grant.

Funding

The bill authorizes $100 million in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031.

Relevant Companies

None found