Title: Food Is Medicine: A Primer on Health System Initiatives in Texas
Source: Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
Authors: Shreela V. Sharma, Naomi Tice, Rebecca Mak, Jacquie Klotz, Elena M. Marks
Food insecurity is a critical issue affecting millions of Americans, including over 4 million Texans, often leading to poor dietary choices that contribute to chronic health conditions. In response, health care organizations are increasingly implementing “Food is Medicine” (FIM) programs to address this problem by integrating nutrition into health care delivery. These programs focus on three main types: Medically Tailored Meals (MTM), Medically Tailored Groceries (MTG), and Food Prescriptions. Each of these approaches aims to improve health outcomes and manage diet-related conditions through targeted nutritional support.
The growing interest and investment in FIM programs are driven by their potential to enhance health and reduce healthcare costs. Texas has seen an increase in opportunities and funding for these programs, thanks to new policies and legislative support such as the Non-Medical Drivers of Health Action Plan and expanded Medicaid coverage. To maximize their impact, there is a need for standardized terminology, rigorous evaluation, and sustainable funding to ensure these programs are effectively integrated into the health care system and can be scaled to reach more individuals in need.
