Addressing Equity in the Food as Medicine Movement

A recent editorial published in the American Journal of Public Health, led by faculty from UC Irvine's Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, highlights the critical need for the Food is Medicine (FIM) movement to incorporate a stronger focus on equity. While FIM initiatives—integrating food and nutrition interventions to prevent, manage, and treat diet-related health conditions—hold significant promise, their success is hindered if they fail to reach the underserved populations most in need. The authors emphasize that without broader access strategies, the movement risks exacerbating health disparities instead of reducing them.

Currently, over 27 million Americans are uninsured, and many more are underinsured. This reality challenges efforts to embed food-based health interventions within broader healthcare systems. The researchers argue that efforts to improve health outcomes through FIM must be coupled with community-based approaches that specifically target uninsured and marginalized groups. Poor nutrition remains a leading risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and certain cancers. Evidence suggests that FIM interventions can lead to reduced hospitalizations and improved disease management.

According to Matthew Landry, Ph.D., RDN, a key author, designing these programs intentionally to promote equity is crucial. He states, "Without intentional design and execution, even well-meaning movements can inadvertently increase disparities. It's time to expand the reach of FIM to those who need it most."

The authors call for a dual strategy that sustains FIM programs within healthcare while simultaneously investing in community initiatives like food banks and federally qualified health centers. These community organizations can better serve food-insecure populations without access to insurance and should be supported with resources to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Policy-level solutions are also vital. The authors suggest expanding health insurance coverage to include FIM programs, through subsidies or mandates within programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Indian Health Service. Such policies could generate significant health improvements and reduce healthcare costs.

When community-based efforts are supported alongside systemic policy changes, FIM has the potential to reach broader populations, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the reduction of health disparities. Recognizing that a comprehensive approach is necessary, the authors advocate for integrating community strategies with systemic reforms to create a more equitable and effective Food is Medicine movement.