New Funding Expands Minnesota Food is Medicine Programs

The $1 million investment helps patients access local produce to better manage chronic health conditions.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Healthy Food

Gouache-painted illustration of a wooden crate overflowing with seasonal vegetables, reflecting the connection between nutrition and medical wellness. — Medica is investing $1 million to expand 'Food is Medicine' programs across Minnesota, connecting patients with fresh, locally grown produce to manage chronic health conditions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe local nutrition support programs are an effective way to improve community health?

Medica is investing $1 million to support Food is Medicine programs across Minnesota, which provide fresh, locally sourced food to patients. These programs, which currently serve about 700 households each week, aim to address food insecurity as a key factor in long-term health outcomes.

Why it matters

With 22% of Minnesota households unable to afford necessary food in 2025, bridging the gap between nutrition and medical care is vital for managing chronic conditions. The program addresses health disparities by increasing access to fresh produce for those who need it most.

A 2024 analysis of local fresh food prescription programs showed meaningful health markers among participants, including an A1C reduction from 8.5 to 7.9 for those with diabetes and blood pressure improvements in 55% of individuals. The long-term durability of these health outcomes remains under investigation.

The players

Medica

A health insurance provider that manages health benefits and supports regional public health initiatives.

Fairview Health Services

A nonprofit health system in Minnesota that provides integrated care and clinical services.

The Good Acre

An organization that connects local farmers with wholesale markets and food access programs.

The details

The program connects patients with fresh, locally grown produce supplied by a network of 120 regional farmers through The Good Acre. Participants work with Food Resource Navigators to receive food boxes, effectively integrating nutrition into standard medical management. This approach targets food insecurity, which researchers note can negatively influence a person's health status even before clinical medical care is sought.

2024: Fresh food prescription program study conducted.
2025: Statewide hunger survey recorded over 9 million food shelf visits.
October 26, 2026: Medica announced the $1 million investment.

Health Landscape

This investment follows the 2025 Minnesota statewide hunger survey, which documented over 9 million visits to local food shelves. It marks a shift from conventional emergency food aid toward clinical models that treat nutritional access as a core component of preventive care.

If you are managing a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension, ask your primary care provider if your health system offers any Food is Medicine initiatives or nutritional support programs. These programs can bridge gaps in fresh produce access that may be complicating your overall health management.

The takeaway

Food insecurity is a significant risk factor that can complicate the management of chronic health conditions like diabetes. If you struggle to afford nutritious food, speak with your physician or a social worker at your clinic to identify local food resource programs that may be available to you.