A cautionary note on Food is Medicine

Food is Medicine (FIM) programs are gaining national attention and funding as a method to treat chronic food-related diseases by providing free, nutritious foods to patients. But policy makers should be cautious; FIM may not be the best way to address food and nutrition insecurities for the US population.

In FIM programs, health care professionals identify those suffering from diet-related chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, metabolic syndrome, some cancers, and others. A dietitian then “prescribes” either free groceries with individuals shopping for themselves using a FIM-funded debit card with restrictions to the purchase of nutritious foods or alternatively prepared meals for delivery or pickup. Prescribed foods and meals may be medically tailored to the health needs of the individual.