Wisconsin Applies for Food is Medicine State Officer Program

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Published March 4th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted a letter of intent to apply for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program. This initiative aims to build capacity for food-based interventions to improve health outcomes, with a decision on funding expected later this year.

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What changed

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in conjunction with Governor Tony Evers, has announced the submission of a letter of intent for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program. This three-year initiative, managed by the Center for Health Care Strategies, seeks to empower states with funding, training, and technical assistance to expand food-based interventions like medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions for managing diet-related health conditions. Wisconsin is one of potentially ten states that could receive support to implement such a program statewide.

Regulated entities, particularly healthcare providers and government agencies involved in public health and Medicaid, should be aware of this initiative. While Wisconsin's application is a preliminary step, a final proposal is due by May 1, 2026. If selected, the state plans to recruit for a dedicated officer this summer to advance policies, increase enrollment in existing nutrition services, and coordinate programs across public health and Medicaid, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes through enhanced access to healthy food.

What to do next

Monitor DHS communications regarding the Food is Medicine State Officer Program application status.
Review current nutrition service offerings and identify potential areas for expansion if Wisconsin is selected for the program.
Prepare for potential policy changes or program coordination efforts related to food-based health interventions.

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News Releases

For Immediate Release March 4, 2026 Contact DHS Media, 608-266-1683 Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced the Evers Administration has submitted a letter of intent (PDF) for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program, a three-year initiative to empower states to build capacity for better health outcomes through food-based interventions. The program can include services like medically tailored meals and groceries, and produce prescriptions to help people prevent, manage, and treat diet-related health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. DHS hopes Wisconsin will be one of the 10 states chosen to receive funding, training, technical assistance, leadership coaching, and support to expand the Food is Medicine Program statewide.

"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. "We're hopeful we're going to be able to build upon our efforts and expand Food is Medicine benefits and the Wisconsinites we serve to help improve health outcomes across our state by making sure folks have sustainable and healthy food access."

DHS currently provides some clinically appropriate, evidence-based nutrition services to people eligible through Medicaid and public health programs. Funding for a dedicated, full-time state officer would allow Wisconsin to advance policies to expand access to Food is Medicine services, increase enrollment in existing programs, and coordinate programs across public health, Medicaid, and other programs.

"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," said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. "The Food is Medicine Program is an opportunity for us to increase access to healthy food to more people who need help managing chronic health conditions through what they eat."

States must submit a final proposal by May 1, 2026, to the Center for Health Care Strategies, a policy design and implementation organization devoted to improving outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid. If chosen, Wisconsin would begin recruiting for a state officer this summer to implement the program.