Why Food Is Medicine Matters
Diet-related chronic diseases remain among the leading causes of illness, disability, and healthcare spending in the United States.
A lack of nutritious foods can contribute to poorer health outcomes and make it more difficult for individuals to manage chronic conditions. At the same time, growing evidence suggests that nutrition interventions can improve health outcomes, support disease management, and reduce barriers to healthy eating.
Key Challenges
- High prevalence of diet-related chronic disease
- Persistent nutrition insecurity
- Health, cultural and other differences across populations and communities
- Rising healthcare costs
- Limited access to nutrition services in many settings
Emerging Opportunities
- Greater integration of nutrition into healthcare
- Expanded Food Is Medicine research
- State and federal policy innovation
- New payment and reimbursement pathways
- Cross-sector partnerships between healthcare and community organizations
Explore National Strategy and Landscape for the HHS perspective on the current Food Is Medicine landscape and key practices, policies, and research in the U.S.
