Nutrition insecurity in the U.S. drives adverse health outcomes, including higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and high-risk pregnancies, and it also contributes to increased health care costs. In response, states across the country are expanding access to evidence-based Food is Medicine (FIM) nutrition services through Medicaid and public health programs. These services — such as medically tailored meals and groceries, and produce prescriptions — help prevent and manage diet-related health conditions. Yet, many states face barriers that hinder effective implementation of these programs, including limited capacity, staffing challenges, and gaps in technical expertise.

The Food is Medicine State Officer Program will help states strengthen their FIM capacity and advance policies that improve access to healthy food for people with diet-related health conditions. This three-year project is made possible by the Food is Medicine Impact Fund, a joint philanthropic initiative to integrate proven food and nutrition interventions into the U.S. health care system as covered, reimbursable medical benefits. Hosted by RF Catalytic Capital, the fund addresses the root causes of diet-related health conditions.

The Food is Medicine State Officer Program, facilitated by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), aims to help states advance FIM programming and improve access to healthy food for people with diet-related conditions by strengthening staffing and leadership capacity within state agencies. This will position states to successfully integrate FIM services into health care delivery to: (1) improve health outcomes for people diagnosed with or at risk of diet-related conditions; and (2) expand access to and use of effective FIM solutions.

States participating in the Food is Medicine State Officer Program will have access to:

• Funding: States will receive funding to hire and support a FIM state officer for three years.
• Training and technical assistance: FIM state officers will receive virtual and in-person onboarding, individualized one-on-one technical assistance, support with stakeholder engagement and communication, and leadership coaching.
• FIM State Officer Hub: Through this national learning network, FIM state officers will gain access to expert presentations, facilitated discussions with subject matter experts, shared problem-solving, and peer collaboration across participating states.

How to Apply

States interested in building or expanding capacity to implement FIM solutions are invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Complete program details and submission instructions are outlined in the funding announcement.

LOIs are due February 27, 2026, 5 pm ET. Download the Funding Announcement.