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Committee moves "Food Is Medicine" bill forward after broad public support
Summary
CB67, the Food Is Medicine Health Program Act, received a favorable recommendation from the committee after staff explained draft 2, the health department endorsed the bill, and numerous stakeholders and clinicians testified in support; the draft was amended to add a resident seat to the proposed 21-member work group.
The Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee voted to move Council Bill 67, the Food Is Medicine Health Program Act of 2025, favorable on draft 2 after lengthy testimony from clinicians, farmers, nonprofits and residents and a set of staff-proposed amendments.
Legislative staff described draft 2 as creating a countywide program within the Department of Health to provide grants and partnerships for medically supported food and nutrition interventions, set reporting requirements, and establish a 21-member Food Is Medicine work group. Jacqueline Somerville, interim health officer, told the committee the health department “strongly support[s] the food as medicine program and work group” and emphasized high local rates of chronic disease and obesity as justification for the program.
Staff attorney Kathy Cannon reviewed eight amendments that added an educational component, expanded eligible partners (including grocery stores, health insurers and neighboring jurisdictions), prioritized farms that accept SNAP, created a work group of 21 members nominated by the county executive and confirmed by council, and required a public report within three years of program start.
During public testimony, program managers and nonprofit leaders described pilot results and operational models. Michelle Burton, program manager for the Food Equity Council, said the county's Prince George's Fresh Food as Medicine pilot (2021'2023) showed strong results: “Nearly 90 percent of the participants stayed engaged. Participants ate healthier, lost weight, improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar,” she said. Raissa Wells of Food and Friends described medically tailored-meal work and noted the organization delivered “almost 500000 meals” last year to clients in Prince George's County. Witnesses urged the committee to source locally and to include training, cooking demonstrations and culturally relevant options.
Several public commenters urged a seat for unaffiliated community residents on the work group; after that concern was raised the draft was revised to add one resident seat. Committee members also discussed funding uncertainty and timelines; staff and the health officer said existing pilot programs would continue and health department staff would work with partners while the work group convenes. The committee adopted draft 2 and the motion to move the bill favorable carried at the meeting.
