Food Is More Than Just Medicine.

Abstract

State Medicaid agencies are increasingly developing Food Is Medicine programs with the aim of improving health outcomes and lowering health-related costs for low-income people. The role of food in people's lives is influenced by a complex interplay of socio-ecological systems, including personal values and beliefs, social interactions, and community development. To make Food Is Medicine programs in Medicaid more effective, states can integrate a more nuanced understanding of the larger role that food plays in society into their Food Is Medicine program design and implementation. This includes prioritizing choice and quality in Food Is Medicine service offerings, aligning Food Is Medicine programs with other food and nutrition insecurity programs, and reframing success in program implementation. These approaches will help ensure that Food Is Medicine services achieve their intended health care goals while prioritizing the human experience and consumer choice.