National Summit Report release and updates from MFSN

The Medicaid Food Security Network (MFSN) team is excited to release the full National Summit report, which compiles insights gained from the event held in May. This comprehensive report summarizes sessions focusing on Medicaid policy changes, data sharing, equity and dignity in programs, and research and evaluation for Food is Medicine (FIM) and food security strategies. The report articulates key learnings and MFSN strategies moving forward based on these insights. 

 

These are some key messages learned at the Summit that MFSN will use to support future efforts to leverage Medicaid to address food security..

• State practitioners want opportunities, like those offered at the Summit, to enhance their skills and capabilities to implement impactful Medicaid-based food security strategies.
• Coalition-building is essential for driving policy change in the intersection of the food and healthcare sectors.
• Experts acknowledge the vital role of SNAP and WIC within the Food is Medicine movement, particularly when paired with healthcare navigation assistance. 
• MFSN will expand and update resources, while developing new tools, to enhance advocacy efforts.

 

Participants’ feedback described the Summit panels as helpful, thoughtful, inspiring, and “freaking awesome.” Check out this recording of the Food Is Medicine discussion from the opening “Conversation on Food Justice” session, the summit agenda and slides, and this personal story from a mother who knows from experience the vital role SNAP and WIC play in bolstering food security for her family, and let us know what you think.

MEDICAID & SNAP THREATENED            

With significant cuts proposed by the Senate, now is the time to safeguard Medicaid, SNAP, and similar vital programs. It’s essential we urge senators to oppose these cuts and preserve services that support vulnerable communities. Take action and tell the Senate to reject cuts to Medicaid, ACA, Medicare, and SNAP!

 

Upcoming Events

July 10: Join the Food is Medicine Coalition quarterly meeting at 4:00 pm EST. Register here. 

Coming in September, the next virtual MFSN Quarterly Convening will be held on Thursday, the 4th at 1:00 pm EST. Register here. Stay tuned for more details!

Resources and news

Use the Medicaid Food Security Policy Dashboard to learn state policy examples

We wanted to remind folks about the MFSN Policy Dashboard, which was produced through review of state Medicaid Managed Care Contracts, 1115 waivers, and other publicly available policy documents to develop a compendium of examples of how Medicaid addresses food insecurity among children and families. This tool is not exhaustive, and we’re updating it with 2025 information as we speak.

 

Strong positive public perception of Food is Medicine  

The Rockefeller Foundation just published a report that found 4 in 5 Americans believe FIM can improve health, should be covered by public and private health insurance, and that FIM would personally help them eat better. These results held true among both Democratic and Republican-identifying respondents. FIM awareness was 13% for the general public and 32% among healthcare workers, though enthusiasm was high once individuals heard a FIM definition. For healthcare workers, 85% were eager to recommend FIM for patients. 

 

North Carolina SDOH 1115 waiver under threat, advocates are speaking up

The North Carolina state legislature has announced budget plans to cut the state’s 1115 waiver to address SDOH. In response, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced it will end the program by July 1 (unless funding is restored). Advocates are speaking up about how the program has connected people to nutritious foods and driven down healthcare costs for participants by $1,020 per person per year. 

 

MFSN commented on proposed Medicare rules in favor of keeping social needs screening quality measures for hospitals

In our comment to the Centers of Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), we discuss how food security screening as a part of SDOH screening underpins well-being, nutrition, and evidence-based prevention. Screening enables healthcare providers and their partners to connect patients to Food is Medicine programs that improve nutrition and well-being. We recommended building upon existing investments in evidence-based prevention rather than removing screening requirements.

Questions? Story Ideas?

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