Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program to administer medically-tailored meals and groceries to certain eligible veterans

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish and carry out a pilot program (to be known as the Food is Medicine program).(b)

Functions

Under the Food is Medicine program, the Secretary shall,(1)with respect to eligible veterans described in subsection (c)—(A)administer medically-tailored meals and medically-tailored groceries; and(B)furnish nutrition education and cooking classes through a registered dieticians, nutritionists, and community health workers;(2)develop and seek to implement training programs for health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to the integration of the Food is Medicine program in the treatment plans of veterans receiving health care under the laws administered by the Secretary; and(3)seek to collaborate with community-based organizations, including food banks and local agriculture programs, to—(A)procure fresh and locally-sourced produce; and(B)expand the availability of medically-tailored meals and medically-tailored groceries.(c)

Eligibility

An eligible veteran described in this subsection is a veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) who is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established and operated under section 1705 of such section and—(1)receives health care furnished by the Department with respect to multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes, cancer, or heart failure; or(2)receives such health care with respect to maternal health, including prenatal care, labor and delivery care, postpartum care, and is at risk of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. (d)

Regional balance

In carrying out the Food is Medicine program, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable ensure geographic diversity of the pilot program offices of the Food is Medicine program.(e)

Report

During the period the authority to carry out the Food is Medicine program is effective, the Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report on such program that includes—(1)the number of eligible veterans participating in such program;(2)with respect to such eligible veterans, a summary of—(A)health outcomes;(B)effects on physical and mental health;(C)quality of life; and(D)the extent of utilization of health care under the laws administered by the Secretary;(3)an evaluation of the effectiveness of such program, including estimated cost savings to the Department of Veterans Affairs; and(4)recommendations of the Secretary with respect to potential improvements to such program. (f)

Authorization of appropriations

(1)

In general

Subject to paragraph (2), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the Food is Medicine program.(2)

Use of funds

Any amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be used for—(A)developing and operating the Food is Medicine program;(B)hiring registered dieticians and nutrition specialists;(C)conducting research and evaluations; and(D)establishing partnerships with local organizations pursuant to subsection (b)(3).(g)

Termination date

The authority of the Secretary to carry out the Food is Medicine program shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.(h)

Definitions

In this Act:(1)The term medically-tailored groceries means nutritious food for an individual with a diet-sensitive condition curated to the treatment plan of such individual.(2)The term medically-tailored meals means nutritious meals customized for an individual with a severe chronic condition or limitation in activities of daily living.