September 27, 2023 – A groundbreaking report by experts at the Food is Medicine Institute, affiliated with Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, highlights the transformative potential of integrating food and nutrition strategies into the national healthcare framework. These strategies, collectively known as Food is Medicine (FIM) efforts, have the potential to significantly enhance public health, improve the quality of life, alleviate the strain on hospitals, and drive substantial reductions in healthcare expenditures.
The report, titled “The True Cost of Food: Food is Medicine Case Study,” meticulously analyzes the health and economic advantages of FIM initiatives. These initiatives involve food-based nutrition interventions seamlessly integrated into the healthcare system, aimed at either treating or preventing chronic diet-related diseases. In recent years, FIM efforts have garnered attention for not only enhancing nutritional well-being and health outcomes but also for diminishing food insecurity and promoting health equity.
The report offers compelling data, revealing that the nationwide implementation of Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) within Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance for patients grappling with diet-related conditions and limited daily living capabilities could forestall an estimated 1.6 million hospitalizations. Remarkably, this could result in a net savings of approximately $13.6 billion in healthcare costs within the inaugural year, factoring in the expenses associated with implementation.
Furthermore, the report underscores that the nationwide rollout of produce prescription programs designed for patients contending with diabetes and food insecurity could avert a staggering 292,000 cardiovascular events. Simultaneously, it could contribute 260,000 quality-adjusted life years, a metric reflecting the enhancement or prolongation of patients’ lives. The initiative is characterized as highly cost-effective from a health standpoint, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $18,100 per quality-adjusted life year. From a societal perspective, it is deemed cost-saving, with a net savings of $-0.05 billion.
The findings underscore the potential for FIM strategies to revolutionize healthcare, presenting not only opportunities for improving health but also for generating significant cost savings while addressing health disparities. As policymakers and healthcare leaders evaluate future healthcare reforms, the integration of Food is Medicine initiatives emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing the nation’s health and well-being.
