Title
AN ACT CONCERNING PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FOOD AS MEDICINE HEALTH PROGRAM ACT OF 2025 for the purpose of establishing the Prince George’s County Food as Medicine Health Program within the County Department of Health; providing for grant awards and partnerships to implement medically supportive food and nutrition interventions to improve health outcomes, reduce chronic disease, and address food insecurity; providing for certain partnerships and education; providing for a certain Workgroup; providing for the use of funds; providing for reporting requirements; providing for a technical assistance program; providing for guidance and recommendations; providing for implementation and funding; and generally relating to food as a component of healthcare delivery in Prince George’s County.
Background
This bill establishes the Food as Medicine Health Program to be administered by the County’s Department of Health. The Program goals are to reduce chronic disease, improve health outcomes, and address food and nutrition insecurity. Eligibility criteria are for participants, including Medicaid recipients, uninsured residents, and those with diet-related chronic illnesses. Permitted interventions, including medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling, and food delivery services are covered by the Program. Funds may support direct services, provider reimbursements, technical assistance, and data collection. The Program includes partnerships with FQHCs, nonprofits, local food hubs, and socially disadvantaged farmers. Reporting requirements, include a three-year program evaluation and ongoing data transparency. There is a priority sourcing of local, organic, or regeneratively grown food where available. There are technical assistance provisions for local producers to participate in the Program. Annual guidance and regulatory authority is delegated to the Department of Health. Funding authorization is through County appropriations and the pursuit of federal/state grants.