In 2024 “food is medicine” has taken center stage, reflecting a growing recognition of the critical role nutrition plays in health and well-being. This shift is not only reshaping healthcare but also transforming food systems worldwide, as experts and advocates push for policies that integrate food and health more holistically.

The idea that food can be a powerful tool for preventing and managing chronic diseases is gaining traction. Recent reports highlight numerous initiatives and policies that underscore this approach. Poor diet is now the leading risk factor for early death globally, accentuating the need for integrating nutrition into healthcare strategies.

The Biden administration has proposed significant investments in these initiatives, recognizing their potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve population health. The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health set ambitious goals to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030.

The Food is Medicine Summit, hosted by the Food is Medicine Institute, brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and food system experts to discuss and promote strategies for integrating nutrition into medical practice. The institute provides education and resources to support healthcare providers in using food as a tool for disease prevention and treatment. However, in medical schools in the United States, less than 1% of lecture hours are dedicated to nutrition, according to the Food is Medicine Institute, highlighting a significant gap in medical education.

Meanwhile, healthcare providers are increasingly prescribing fruits and vegetables as part of their treatment plans. Programs like “Produce Rx” are gaining popularity, where patients receive vouchers to purchase fresh produce. These programs have shown promising results in improving health outcomes, particularly for low-income individuals with chronic conditions.

A study by the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy found that providing medically tailored meals to patients could result in a 16% net reduction in healthcare costs and a 49% reduction in hospitalizations. This highlights the significant impact that food-based interventions can have on health and healthcare expenses.

“Nutrition is a vital component of health,” says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a leading nutrition scientist. “By integrating food and medicine, we can tackle the root causes of many chronic diseases and significantly enhance the quality of life for millions.”

Internationally, countries like Brazil and Italy are also making strides in promoting food as medicine. Brazil’s National School Feeding Program provides healthy meals to more than 40 million children, aiming to combat malnutrition and obesity. Italy, known for its Mediterranean diet, continues to prioritize nutrition education and sustainable food systems.

The private sector is also playing a crucial role. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Geisinger are investing in programs that connect patients with healthy food options. Geisinger’s “Fresh Food Farmacy,” for instance, provides free, healthy groceries to patients with diabetes, resulting in improved blood sugar levels and reduced healthcare costs.

However, there are challenges to overcome. Ensuring access to healthy food for all, particularly in underserved communities, remains a significant hurdle. Addressing this requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy changes, community engagement, and public-private partnerships.

Reports also call for a shift in agricultural practices to support this food-as-medicine movement. Sustainable farming methods, reduced pesticide use, and increased production of nutrient-dense foods are essential to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, affordable food.

Creating healthcare, food policies and programs that recognize the connections between well-being and nutrition security can be truly transformative—and save lives. More than 41 million people per year die from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), according to the World Health Organization. That means a sobering 3 out of every 4 deaths globally are caused by NCDs, which include conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes that are closely linked to diet quality.

As we move through 2024, the momentum behind “food is medicine” continues to build. The path forward is clear: integrating food and health can lead to profound benefits, not just for individual health but for society as a whole. With the right policies and collaborative efforts, this year could mark a significant turning point in how we approach health and nutrition.