Statewide initiative will develop a framework to improve Delaware’s health outcomes using nutrition-based strategies.

DOVER - On May 6, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer announced the establishment of the Delaware Food is Medicine Committee, a statewide initiative to improve health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and strengthen local food systems through the power of nutrition. Poor nutrition is at the core of many chronic diseases and negative health outcomes. This committee will be tasked with shifting Delaware’s health system from reactive treatment to proactive prevention by making food a formal part of healthcare.

“Delaware’s Food is Medicine Committee will connect residents with high-quality meals and produce to improve clinical care, lower healthcare costs, and advance health equity,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Drawing on research and examples from other states, we will scale what works and ensure positive results. Together, we’ll build a healthier, more equitable Delaware — where food is seen as both nourishment and healthcare.” 

The Food is Medicine Committee will be housed under the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy and will be responsible for advancing three core priorities:  

• Health Equity: Expand access to Food is Medicine and other nutrition interventions, particularly for low-income and high-risk populations, to help prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Healthcare Cost Savings: Reduce costly hospital visits and lower Medicaid expenditures by addressing diet-related health conditions through targeted nutrition support.
• Economic Growth: Stimulate Delaware’s agricultural economy by creating new markets for local farmers and food retailers - strengthening our food system while generating jobs.

“Every Delawarean should have the comfort of knowing they can feed their family healthy and nutritious meals,” said Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Chair of the Delaware Food is Medicine Committee. “The Delaware Food is Medicine Committee is focused on providing that comfort, helping to define our state’s goals, strengthen programs, and secure funding that will put nutrition at the forefront of healthcare and achieve real results. As Chair, I’m honored to help lead this effort promoting health equity by connecting families with the nourishment, dignity, and care they deserve.”

Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay will chair the committee, leading a diverse team of leaders from healthcare, agriculture, research, and community organizations to develop Delaware’s first statewide Food is Medicine framework. The committee will draw on proven models in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and California while building upon the research and insights from leaders like Tufts University’s Food is Medicine Institute and Kaiser Permanente’s nutrition-in-healthcare initiatives. The committee’s work will also align with national frameworks such as the American Heart Association’s Health Care by Food.

For questions or to schedule an interview with Gov. Meyer, please email [email protected].

For questions or to schedule an interview with Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, please email [email protected].