Bill Summary
The "Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act" is legislation aimed at improving the health and well-being of veterans who face diet-related chronic conditions and food insecurity. It amends Title 38 of the United States Code to formally include "produce prescriptions" as a medical service provided to veterans.
Under this act, a "produce prescription" is defined as a benefit wherein the Secretary of Veterans Affairs can either provide veterans with vouchers or debit cards to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, or refer them to receive such benefits. This initiative is designed to encourage healthier eating habits among veterans with specific health conditions related to their diets, thereby enhancing their overall health outcomes.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act" could affect people:
1. **Improved Health Outcomes for Veterans**: By providing produce prescriptions to veterans with diet-related chronic conditions, the legislation aims to improve their overall health. Access to fresh fruits and vegetables can help manage conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, potentially leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with these chronic diseases.
2. **Increased Food Security**: The act specifically addresses food insecurity among veterans. By offering vouchers or debit cards for purchasing produce, it enables veterans who may struggle financially to access nutritious food. This support can alleviate hunger, improve dietary habits, and enhance the quality of life for veterans and their families.
3. **Support for Local Agriculture**: The implementation of produce prescriptions could stimulate local economies by encouraging veterans to purchase their fruits and vegetables from local farmers or markets. This not only supports local agricultural businesses but also promotes community engagement and sustainability, fostering stronger connections between veterans and their communities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7267 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7267
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the provision of
produce prescriptions to veterans, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 27, 2026
Ms. Pingree (for herself and Mr. Buchanan) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the provision of
produce prescriptions to veterans, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Produce Prescriptions for Veterans
Act''.
SEC. 2. PROVISION OF PRODUCE PRESCRIPTIONS TO VETERANS.
(a) Inclusion as Medical Services.--Paragraph (6) of section 1701
of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(J) The provision of produce prescriptions.''.
(b) Definition of Produce Prescription.--Such section is further
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) The term `produce prescription' means a service in which the
Secretary provides a benefit to a veteran who has a diet-related
chronic condition and is food-insecure or refers such a veteran to
receive a benefit, including a voucher or debit card, for the purchase
of fruits and vegetables, to improve a diet-related chronic
condition.''.
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