Bill Summary
The "Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act" is legislation aimed at improving the health and well-being of veterans with diet-related chronic conditions. This bill amends Title 38 of the United States Code to officially include the provision of "produce prescriptions" as a medical service for veterans.
Specifically, the bill defines a "produce prescription" as a benefit that can be provided to veterans who are both food-insecure and suffering from chronic health issues related to their diet. This may involve the Secretary of Veterans Affairs offering a monetary benefit, such as a voucher or debit card, that veterans can use to purchase fruits and vegetables. The goal is to enhance access to healthy foods, thereby potentially improving the health outcomes of veterans dealing with chronic conditions.
Possible Impacts
The "Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act" could have several effects on individuals, particularly veterans facing diet-related chronic conditions. Here are three examples:
1. **Improved Health Outcomes**: Veterans with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity may receive produce prescriptions, enabling them to access fresh fruits and vegetables. This could lead to better management of their health conditions, reducing symptoms and potentially lowering healthcare costs over time.
2. **Increased Food Security**: By providing vouchers or debit cards for the purchase of produce, the legislation addresses food insecurity among veterans. This financial assistance can help veterans who struggle to afford nutritious food, thereby ensuring they have access to healthy options that contribute to overall well-being.
3. **Enhanced Quality of Life**: The act encourages healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes among veterans, which can lead to improved mental and physical health. Access to nutritious food may enhance their quality of life, reduce reliance on medications, and promote social engagement through community-supported agriculture or farmers' markets, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3706 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3706
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the provision of
produce prescriptions to veterans, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 27, 2026
Mr. Durbin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
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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