National Nutrition Initiatives
Health and Human Services (HHS) Food Is Medicine: A Project to Unify and Advance Collective Action (2023)
The HHS began working collaboratively with federal partners and external organizations and communities to develop resources that can be used to advance Food Is Medicine (FIM) approaches across the country.
On January 31, 2024, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion partnered with the Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs to host the first-ever HHS Food Is Medicine Summit. This all day event gave policymakers, advocates, researchers, and a wide variety of stakeholders with equities in the FIM space the opportunity to engage in a substantive conversation about why FIM is important, what actions are being taken to advance uptake, and what stakeholders can do to bolster this work.
IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program - Press Release (2023)
The IHS awarded $2.5 million to help decrease food insecurity in Native communities. Five Tribes and Tribal Organizations each received $500,000 of grant funding in 2023 to implement a 5-year produce prescription program in their communities. Find out more about these programs on the IHS Produce Prescription Programs webpage.
HHS Food Is Medicine Launches Virtual Toolkit (2024)
The HHS released a virtual Food Is Medicine Toolkit which includes a collection of resources and new tools to support Food is Medicine initiatives around the country. The toolkit is designed to help provide resources for those working in health care, public health, and others who are interested in implementing Food is Medicine initiatives in their communities.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (2026)
On January 7, 2026, the HHS and USDA released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, highlighting a shift toward whole, nutrient-dense foods as the foundation of a healthy diet. The Guidelines prioritize protein, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains while limiting highly processed foods and added sugars. They also provide tailored guidance for different life stages and populations to support healthy eating patterns and improve overall health outcomes.
IHS Releases Special General Memorandum (SGM) No. 26-01 (2026)
On April 15, 2026, the IHS released the “Implementation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, and Increased Use of Traditional Foods” SGM. The purpose of the memo is to direct all IHS federally operated facilities to align food and nutrition services with the Guidelines and to increase the use of traditional foods, when feasible and appropriate.
