H.R. 7906: Fueling Optimal Outcomes through Diet for Health Act

This bill, known as the Fueling Optimal Outcomes through Diet for Health Act, proposes to create a pilot program managed by the Secretary of Agriculture aimed at supporting Food is Medicine programs. The program will provide grants to eligible organizations that apply for funding to help their initiatives. Here’s an overview of what the bill entails:

Establishment of a Pilot Program

The Secretary of Agriculture is required to establish and run a pilot program to grant funding to eligible entities within two years of the bill's enactment. These grants will focus on Food is Medicine programs, which connect food provision with medical care to improve health outcomes.

Grant Eligibility

To receive a grant, entities must submit an application that meets specific criteria defined by the Secretary.

Use of Grant Funds

Grants can be used for various activities under the Food is Medicine program, including:

• Operating emergency feeding programs on-site.
• Providing groceries with medically tailored packaging or delivery.
• Offering medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions.
• Conducting evidence-based cooking skills classes, possibly using digital technologies.
• Promoting dietary intervention strategies to support health.
• Transporting participants to and from the service areas of the program.

Grant Prioritization

The Secretary will prioritize grant recipients based on the following criteria:

• Incorporation of local and regional food sources into the funded activities.
• Involvement of registered dieticians or nutrition professionals in the project activities.

Regional Balance and Health Outcomes

When awarding grants, the Secretary will strive to ensure:

• Geographic diversity among recipients.
• Fair representation for urban, rural, tribal communities, and U.S. territories.
• Advancement of health outcomes for the participants.

Reporting Requirements

Reports will be required to evaluate the program's effectiveness:

• An initial report must be submitted within two years after the pilot program starts, assessing efficiency and impact on patient outcomes and costs.
• A final report is to be submitted six years after the pilot program begins, updating the findings from the initial report.

These reports will detail the entire implementation process, participant selection criteria, health issues addressed, food provision strategies, and the impact on participant health outcomes.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $20 million to be allocated for the implementation of these activities over the fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Definitions

The bill provides clear definitions for:

• Diet-related disease: This includes a range of health issues such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more.
• Food is Medicine program: Defined as initiatives by community organizations in partnership with healthcare providers to provide food and medical nutrition therapy for individuals affected by diet-related diseases.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of Agriculture, working alongside the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Relevant Companies

None found