Accelerated research, increased investment signal landmark year for food is medicine

A new report from the American Heart Association's Health Care by Food initiative reveals a dramatic acceleration in research and investment related to the emerging field of food is medicine (FIM) in 2025-2026. Published research rose by 68% year-over-year, with randomized controlled trials - considered the gold standard - quadrupling. This growing body of evidence indicates FIM interventions could cost-effectively improve health outcomes.

Sixteen states now allow Medicaid waivers supporting FIM programs, while six states are using Medicaid managed care to deliver these services. Federal policymakers boosted FIM funding by $24 million in the FY2026 spending bill, a more than fourfold increase since FY2024. Evaluations of FIM programs in Medicaid systems found they were associated with reduced hospitalization, emergency department use and overall health care costs.

Promising interventions highlighted include medically tailored meals (MTMs) and groceries (MTGs), which showed benefits for blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c and other cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly when combined with nutrition counseling and other services. Research is needed to fully understand the specific roles these services play in improving health outcomes.

Experts emphasize the field is moving beyond feasibility questions to focus on optimization, implementation, financing and sustainability. Successful programs often combine food support with additional services like nutrition counseling and community health worker assistance. Personalization based on patient preferences, cultural relevance, convenience and flexibility appears critical for engagement and effectiveness.

While important research gaps remain, the expanding evidence base is guiding health care leaders, policymakers and payers toward more informed decisions about integrating food-based interventions into health care delivery. The field is transitioning from "can food be medicine" to "how should food be optimized as medicine."