The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and The Rockefeller Foundation have announced a new partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of Food is Medicine programs in health systems. This partnership seeks to improve health outcomes and health equity by engaging the public in understanding nutrition, advancing collective understanding of Food is Medicine interventions and their impacts, and exploring strategies to scale successful programs to reach more eligible Americans.
Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, stated, “We know good food is the foundation of good health, and study after study has found that Food is Medicine interventions can make people healthier while reducing health care costs. I am proud that The Rockefeller Foundation will be collaborating with HHS to help improve health outcomes and advance health equity by ensuring these interventions reach those who stand to benefit the most.”
The partnership between HHS and The Rockefeller Foundation will focus on advancing research, engaging the public in the value of Food is Medicine interventions, identifying opportunities and barriers to support greater uptake and scaling, and ensuring that these programs support diverse individuals and communities with a focus on health equity.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are eager to build on this dynamic opportunity and we anticipate powerful outcomes through collaborative action. One of our shared priorities is to engage the public in understanding food as medicine and to build strategies to expand successful programs to more eligible Americans.”
In addition to its partnership with HHS, The Rockefeller Foundation announced an increased commitment to advancing Food is Medicine programs to more than $100 million, including support to the American Heart Association to increase understanding about the health and economic outcomes of these programs in diverse populations.
This partnership with HHS follows The Rockefeller Foundation’s collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in April 2023 to support Produce Prescription pilot projects and associated research pilot programs at VA health care systems.
The Rockefeller Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance.
In conclusion, the partnership between HHS and The Rockefeller Foundation represents a significant step forward in advancing Food is Medicine interventions to improve health outcomes and advance health equity in the United States. With a focus on research, public engagement, and support for diverse communities, this partnership is poised to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of Americans.
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