Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri SB1075: Creates the "Food is Medicine Act"
Status: In committee, March 4, 2026
SB 1075 - This act creates the "Food is Medicine Act". Under this act, the Department of Social Services shall submit a waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a "Food is Medicine" program. The program shall be designed to improve health outcomes for MO HealthNet participants with nutrition-related chronic diseases through nutrition services and to reduce the need for medical care for those participants. Covered nutrition services may include case management, nutrition counseling, meals or pantry stocking, nutrition prescriptions, and grocery provisions. When feasible, the MO HealthNet Division shall prioritize the inclusion of community-based organizations and local growers to support the purchase of locally grown food in nutrition prescriptions. SARAH HASKINS
What the bill says
To amend chapter 208, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to a MO HealthNet waiver for nutrition services. Section A. Chapter 208, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 208.270, to read as follows: 208.270. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Food is Medicine Act". The department of social services shall apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the federal Department of Health and Human Services for a Section 1115 demonstration waiver to implement the "Food is Medicine" program for the purpose of providing.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 208, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to a MO HealthNet waiver for nutrition services. Section A. Chapter 208, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 208.270, to read as follows: 208.270. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Food is Medicine Act". The department of social services shall apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the federal Department of Health and Human Services for a Section 1115 demonstration waiver to implement the "Food is Medicine" program for the purpose of providing nutrition supports through the MO HealthNet program. The food is medicine program shall be designed to improve health outcomes for MO HealthNet participants with nutrition-related chronic diseases through nutrition services and to reduce the need for medical care for those participants. 2. Nutrition services covered under this program may include, but shall not be limited to, the (2) Nutrition counseling; (3) Meals or pantry stocking; SB 1075 (4) Nutrition prescriptions; and (5) Grocery provisions. 3. Whenever feasible, the MO HealthNet division shall prioritize the inclusion of community-based organizations and local growers to support the purchase of locally grown food in nutrition prescriptions. ✓