Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Wisconsin to Apply for Program Designed to Improve Health Through Healthy Food and Meals

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced the Evers Administration has submitted a letter of intent 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.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.