On Tuesday, July 1, at the Prince George’s County Council’s 1:00 p.m. meeting, Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) is set to introduce her ‘Food as Medicine Health Program Act of 2025’. The bill, CB-67-2025, proposes a new countywide initiative that will use food-based interventions as part of a comprehensive healthcare approach to reduce chronic disease, address food insecurity, and improve long-term health outcomes for residents.
“This legislation is rooted in a simple truth: what we eat matters. We must move toward a future where our healthcare system doesn’t just treat illness, but helps prevent it. Through this program, we are recognizing the healing power of nutritious, natural foods and supporting a system that prioritizes health equity for all Prince Georgians,” said Council Member Blegay.
The program—modeled on national best practices—would encourage the county’s Department of Health to collaborate with healthcare providers, food banks, local farmers, and community-based organizations. The Health Department would administer grants, coordinate delivery of medically supportive meals, and issue produce prescriptions for individuals with diet-related conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
“The Capital Area Food Bank applauds Council Member Blegay for introducing this important legislation. With half of the county's residents confronting hunger, this bill would deliver a triple win: improved health outcomes, greater food security, and lower healthcare expenditures,” said Joe Liu, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the Capital Area Food Bank.
The bill provides funding, prioritizes partnerships with minority and socially disadvantaged food producers, and includes evaluation and reporting requirements to track health and economic outcomes.
"Value-based care recognizes that investing in 'food as medicine' today yields significant health dividends tomorrow, building a future where health is built on plates, not prescriptions," said health advocate Arthur Summerville.