Bynum Co-Leads Bipartisan Food Farmacy Act

Washington, DC - This week, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05), alongside Reps. Emilia Sykes (D-OH) and Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), introduced the bipartisan Food Farmacy Act, to expand access to nutritious foods and provide nutritional guidance. Food pharmacies and similar programs often operate out of hospitals or health care providers, allowing patients to receive treatment and access nutrition education. Research has shown that food pharmacies can be effective in improving patient understanding of nutrition and removing barriers to healthy eating, and in turn may have a significant impact on diet-related health outcomes.

"Too many Oregonians - and Americans - live in food deserts without access to nutritious food options that don't break the bank," said Rep. Bynum. "Food pharmacies help close the gap in these communities by providing access to these options and information about making healthy choices. I'm proud to be leading this bipartisan legislation to support these initiatives and keep our families healthy and thriving."

"I know food farmacies work because, as a state legislator, I created a program to fund the establishment of food farmacies in Ohio and have seen the positive impact they can have on patients battling chronic illness," said Rep. Sykes. "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to create a national program to expand food farmacies and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure every American can access healthy food."

"For many in South Texas, access to healthy food and nutritional education is a major challenge. Food pharmacies offer a solution by not only providing nutritious options but also educating on healthy diet habits," said Rep. De La Cruz. "This bipartisan bill will unlock federal funding, ensuring more operations can reach low-income and rural communities and lead to better health for more Americans."

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