The relationship between hunger relief organizations and Food as Medicine initiatives took center stage at the Food as Medicine Policy Summit in Washington D.C. Celebrity chef Michel Nischan likened it to an untapped “multibillion-dollar miracle drug” that holds immense potential for improving lives, combating diseases, reducing insurance costs, and enriching the food system.

Nischan’s instinct for seizing opportunities is well founded, as he has already played a pivotal role in securing USDA funding for produce prescriptions. Now, the possibilities of harnessing insurance funding for Food as Medicine promise transformative changes in healthcare.

The summit, which drew a sold out crowd, was unlike typical policy gatherings, boasting a diverse array of speakers, including policy experts, representatives from retail grocers, health insurers, consumer data providers, and innovative tech companies.

Amidst the excitement, one pivotal question emerged: What role does the hunger relief sector play in the burgeoning Food as Medicine ecosystem?

Ipyana Spencer, Chief Health Officer at Meals on Wheels America, highlighted her organization’s work collaborating closely with healthcare plans, such as Medicare Advantage. Her organization assists health plans in identifying and coordinating benefits, often centered around providing meals to patients after hospital discharge. Beyond simple food delivery, Meals on Wheels America offers the capacity to visit patients in their homes, serving as the “eyes and ears” for many aspects of their lives. This real time monitoring ensures that a plan’s benefits are not only accessible but also utilized effectively. Spencer underscored the value of partnerships with community based organizations, stating that they are essential “on the front lines.”

Alissa Wassung, Executive Director of the Food is Medicine Coalition, echoed this sentiment, stating that community involvement is crucial for the success of any intervention. The coalition advocates for medically tailored meals guided by advocacy and research, training food banks and similar organizations to build capacity for offering these meals.

While community engagement is vital, one major concern remains: sustainable funding for Food as Medicine through insurance. Currently, there is no widespread coverage mandate for Food as Medicine services. Rachel Landauer, Clinical Instructor at the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School, pointed out that Medicaid 1115 waivers hold promise for public insurance paying for nutrition services, but only six states currently offer such waivers.

Dr. Jacob Mirsky, Medical Director at Massachusetts General Hospital and Founder of Revere Food Pantry, expressed concern that private insurers do not cover funding for food as they do for medications. More large scale, randomized, controlled trials are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of plant-based diets in the same way that medications are evaluated.

To secure funding, organizations are beginning to conduct research to demonstrate the effectiveness of Food as Medicine. Capital Area Food Bank, operating a food pharmacy at Children’s National Hospital, is holding a 400 person research study tracking health outcomes for those receiving balanced meals. The goal is to establish food provision as a “new standard of care.”

DC Greens, an advocacy and community service organization, is also preparing to attract insurance funding. Their produce prescription program, aided by Fresh Connect technology, streamlines access and navigation, making it more appealing for Medicaid reimbursement.

Entrepreneurs in the field see immense potential. Josh Hix, Co-founder and CEO of Season Health, partners with health insurance plans to offer dietician supported nutrition counseling. He highlighted the exciting potential of technology to simplify the complex delivery of Food as Medicine services, allowing users to access nutrition services paid for by their insurer seamlessly.

As the Food as Medicine movement gains momentum, the collaboration between hunger relief organizations and healthcare systems promises a brighter, healthier future for all, driven by innovation, research, and a shared commitment to improving lives through the power of food.