Wisconsin Aims to Enhance Health Through Innovative Food Program
March 4, 2026
Contact: DHS Media, 608-266-1683
In a move to bolster health outcomes via nutrition, Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) have taken a significant step by submitting a letter of intent for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program. This ambitious three-year initiative seeks to integrate food-based interventions, including medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, into health care to combat diet-related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. DHS aspires for Wisconsin to be among the 10 states selected to receive vital resources for this program.
Governor Evers voiced the importance of nutrition in health discussions, highlighting the need to ensure access to nutritious food amidst economic challenges. “Food is critically important to any conversation we have about health—it’s about connecting the dots to make sure Wisconsinites can be their best and healthy selves. Especially as many families are struggling to make ends meet and kids, working families, and seniors across our state can no longer access basic food and groceries, making sure folks can get healthy meals and healthy food is exceedingly important,” said Gov. Tony Evers. He expressed optimism about expanding the Food is Medicine benefits to improve statewide health outcomes.
Currently, DHS offers evidence-based nutrition services through Medicaid and public health programs. Securing funding for a full-time state officer dedicated to the Food is Medicine Program could significantly enhance these efforts by promoting policy advancements, boosting program enrollment, and fostering coordination across health services.
DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson emphasized the program’s potential impact, stating, “Access to a healthy, safe, and an affordable diet affects every Wisconsinite. What we eat to nourish our bodies has a lot to do with how well we feel and how healthy we are.” The initiative aims to provide more individuals with the tools needed to manage chronic health conditions through diet.
Wisconsin must submit a comprehensive proposal by May 1, 2026, to the Center for Health Care Strategies, which is focused on enhancing Medicaid outcomes. Should Wisconsin be selected, the recruitment process for a state officer to implement the program would commence this summer.
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