Food is Medicine is complementary with SNAP & WIC: A brief on comprehensive nutrition supports for Medicaid enrollees

Food is Medicine (FIM) represents a significant opportunity for the health care and food security sectors to address the diet-related illnesses that are linked to $1.1 trillion per year in health care costs. FIM involves providing nutritious food and education to prevent, manage, and treat nutrition-related illnesses. State Medicaid agencies that invest in comprehensive FIM services could realize health care savings through improved outcomes among members.

This brief explores how Medicaid-funded FIM programs — such as medically tailored meals, groceries, and produce prescriptions — can complement federal nutrition supports, like SNAP and WIC. It reviews federal and state guidance and profiles how Michigan, Massachusetts, and North Carolina are coordinating across agencies to prevent duplication and expand access. The brief also underscores the importance of these coordinated efforts, given recent changes to SNAP under the 2025 budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1, now P.L. 119-21), which may reduce access to some populations.