Prince George's Council advances 'Food as Medicine' bill after broad public support

The Prince George's County Council voted to report CB-67, the Food as Medicine Health Program Act of 2025, favorably after a multi-hour public hearing that drew farmers, health-care providers and community groups urging the county to treat food as part of medical care.

CB-67 would establish a Food as Medicine program within the County Health Department to support produce prescriptions, medically tailored groceries, nutrition counseling, local farm partnerships and reporting requirements. Sponsors described the proposal as a preventive-health initiative designed to reduce chronic disease while supporting local farmers and food businesses.

Supporters said the program would connect clinical care to community resources. "Food is not a luxury. It is health care," said Mel Johnson, founder and executive director of The Storehouse, a county food provider. Johnson testified that providing healthy food to people with chronic conditions can reduce hospitalizations and improve recovery.

Kim Lynch of the Prince George's Soil Conservation District told the council that local farms can contribute nutrient-dense produce and educational programming. "CB-67…