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HR1289119th CongressWALLET

Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]

In Committee

Summary

Food is Medicine pilot program directs the VA to provide medically‑tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition education to certain enrolled veterans. The program targets veterans with multiple chronic conditions and pregnant or postpartum veterans at risk of pregnancy complications.

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  • Veterans and families: Eligible veterans enrolled in VA care can receive medically‑tailored meals or groceries, plus nutrition education and cooking classes delivered by registered dietitians, nutritionists, and community health workers.
  • VA health care providers: The VA will create training so clinicians can integrate the program into veterans' treatment plans and the Secretary must seek regional balance of pilot offices.
  • Community partners: The program authorizes collaboration with food banks and local agriculture to source fresh, locally sourced produce and expand availability of medically‑tailored foods.
  • Oversight and evaluation: The VA must report annually to Congress on participation, health outcomes, health care use, quality of life, cost savings estimates, and recommendations.

*Authorizes unspecified appropriations for fiscal years 2025–2028 to develop and operate the pilot, and ends the authority three years after enactment.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Medically tailored meals pilot for veterans

If enacted, VA would start a Food is Medicine pilot within 180 days and run it for three years. Eligible VA-enrolled veterans with multiple chronic conditions could get medically tailored meals or groceries. Veterans getting maternal care who are at risk of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes could also qualify. The program would offer nutrition classes, train VA providers, and partner with food banks and local farms, with sites spread across regions. Congress could fund it for fiscal years 2025–2028, with money limited to program costs, nutrition staff, research, and local partnerships; VA would report yearly on results.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]

    WI • D

    Sponsored 2/13/2025

  • Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 10/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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