To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and administer a pilot program to provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs, and for other purposes.
Impact
If enacted, the bill is expected to have a significant impact on public health by addressing diet-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and various other health conditions. By funding local community initiatives, the program seeks to not only provide food but also improve dietary habits and health outcomes for vulnerable populations. This could potentially reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic illnesses and enhance access to nutritious food in underserved areas.
Summary
House Bill 10124 aims to establish a pilot program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants for Food is Medicine programs. These programs will facilitate the connection between food and health by offering medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition education to individuals facing diet-related diseases. The bill emphasizes granting priority to projects that utilize local foods and involve registered dieticians or nutrition professionals, thereby promoting local agriculture and professional guidance in dietary practices.
Contention
However, the bill may face contention regarding its funding and the prioritization of certain communities over others. There may be concerns about the allocation of the proposed $20 million in funding during the fiscal years 2025 through 2029 and how effectively these resources will be managed. Additionally, while the bill aims for equity in health, some may argue that it could inadvertently exclude certain populations or regions if not implemented with careful oversight and community input. This aspect of program delivery roadmapping could lead to debates among stakeholders, especially regarding disparities in access to health resources.
A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and administer a pilot program to provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs, and for other purposes.
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program on the provision of naloxone to veterans and their caregivers, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a pilot program to furnish a headstone or burial marker to veterans who died on or before November 1, 1990, and for other purposes.
To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to establish the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program, and for other purposes.
To require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Blue Carbon Program to conserve and restore blue carbon ecosystems, and for other purposes.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)