The Biden Administration has approved the use of Medicaid funds to pay for fresh produce and nutrition counseling. The move aims to bolster preventative health measures and reduce costly medical interventions. Although food as medicine is gaining mainstream appeal, increasing access will be an uphill battle.
While the action has received some bipartisan support, opponents argue it’s an overreach for unproven science. They also claim that the existing federal food benefits program SNAP makes the new policy redundant.
While the debate continues, many Americans continue to see their needs go unmet:
- 10% of US households experienced food insecurity in 2021.
- 54.7% of SNAP benefits are redeemed on ultra-processed foods.
- Adults in food-insecure households are ~40% likelier to develop chronic diet-related illnesses than those who aren’t.
Source: Fitt Insider