The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), established in 1976, helps Americans lead healthier lives by setting national priorities for disease prevention and health promotion. As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it translates scientific evidence into policies, guidance, and tools while promoting health literacy and equitable access to clear information. ODPHP develops nutrition and physical activity guidelines and partners with federal agencies, organizations, and communities to advance innovative nutrition solutions for overall well-being.
A key focus is the Food Is Medicine (FIM) initiative, which integrates access to nutritious food with human services, education, and policy change through partnerships at the nexus of health care and community. The Food Is Medicine Initiative aims to reduce nutrition-related chronic diseases and food insecurity by implementing a coordinated federal strategy that ensures consistent access to diet- and nutrition-related resources. This strategy encompasses research, programmatic investments, and the promotion of effective FIM intervention models across the country.
ODPHP emphasizes listening to communities and working with diverse implementation partners to identify challenges and opportunities in advancing Food Is Medicine. Its efforts include:
– Centralizing information on federal, state, and local Food Is Medicine programs, policies, and regulations
– Developing a standardized analytic framework to measure the impact of FIM interventions
– Providing practical resources and real-world case examples to support communities in designing sustainable FIM pilots and programs
– Facilitating knowledge sharing and identifying opportunities for further federal action to strengthen the Food Is Medicine ecosystem
Promoting Sustainability Through Regenerative Approaches
Food Is Medicine models support sustainable food systems by fostering partnerships between community organizations and local farmers. These approaches prioritize culturally respectful, locally grown nutritious foods that promote farm sustainability and reduce environmental impact. By aligning health, community, and economic objectives, the Food Is Medicine Initiative advances regenerative models that enhance social and environmental sustainability for current and future generations.
Nutritionists engaged in building sustainable food systems will find the Food Is Medicine Initiative a valuable resource offering tools, frameworks, and collaborations to develop equitable nutrition interventions that benefit both people and the planet.
The ODPHP FIM virtual toolkit will be updated regularly with new tools and resources as the initiative evolves, supporting collective action toward healthier, more resilient communities through the transformative power of food.
Questions? Ideas? Feedback? Contact: ICDAsfs.coordinator@acadiau.ca
The ICDA SFS Toolkit is made to be used & shared freely.
Please cite the authors of the resources you use, and the ICDA SFS Toolkit if you are able:
InternationalDietetics.org/Sustainability
updated 2025 Aug
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