Bills · HR 1289
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1289Employment and training programsHealth personnel
Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 13· LAST ACTION MAR 14
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it explores a new way for the VA to treat health issues by focusing on food as medicine. Many veterans, like other Americans, suffer from chronic diseases that can often be managed or improved with a proper diet. If this pilot program proves successful, it could lead to better health outcomes for participating veterans, potentially reducing their need for costly medical interventions, hospital visits, or medications.
If the bill becomes law, it could highlight the importance of nutrition in healthcare and provide a model for integrating dietary support into broader medical treatment plans, not just for veterans but potentially for other populations as well. If it doesn't become law, this specific 'Food is Medicine' approach for veterans wouldn't be tested, and the potential benefits of this targeted nutritional support might not be realized or studied by the VA.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill establishes a three-year pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs called the 'Food is Medicine program'.
This creates a structured framework to test the effectiveness of medically-tailored food interventions for veterans.
PROVISION 02
Under the program, eligible veterans will receive medically-tailored meals and groceries, along with nutrition education and cooking classes.
This provides direct nutritional support and education to help veterans manage their health conditions.
PROVISION 03
Eligibility is limited to veterans with multiple chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, heart failure) or those receiving maternal health care and at risk of specific complications (e.g., preeclampsia).
This targets the program's resources towards specific veteran populations who may benefit most from dietary interventions.
PROVISION 04
The program requires the VA to collaborate with community-based organizations, like food banks, to source fresh produce and expand food availability.
This encourages local partnerships and helps ensure access to healthy, locally-sourced food options.
PROVISION 05
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit annual reports to Congress on the program's outcomes, including health improvements and cost savings.
This ensures accountability and provides data to evaluate the program's success and inform future policy decisions.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
46
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSMAR 14
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
FEB 13
Introduced in House
FEB 13
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1289
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
Last actionMar 14, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025
House BillHR 1289Employment and training programsHealth personnel
Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 14, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
