Feeding America and Academy Release First Community-based Medically Tailored Grocery Standards, Expanding Access and Clinical Rigor for Food is Medicine Programs

First-ever community-based medically tailored grocery standards will ensure more neighbors facing hunger can access food tailored to support chronic health conditions.

September 9, 2026

CHICAGO – Feeding America and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics today released standards for the first national community-based medically tailored groceries (MTGs). Drawing on Feeding America's more than a decade of experience partnering with health care organizations, the standards were developed by Feeding America's registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and reviewed by the Academy. This landmark work reflects the organizations' announced strategic partnership, which brings together their deep and complementary expertise in community-based nutrition. The standards will help strengthen the consistency, scalability and clinical rigor of Food is Medicine programs in community-based organizations nationwide, helping more neighbors experiencing food and nutrition insecurity, as well as diet-related health conditions, access medically appropriate food that supports their health and reflects the realities of their lives.

MTGs are food packages designed or approved by a RDN that support a neighbor's specific health condition while reflecting the realities of limited food access, budget, and daily life. The MTG standards and supporting healthy groceries guidance provide community-based organizations with a practical, evidence-based framework to design medically appropriate food packages, and advance their Food is Medicine efforts at any stage of their journey.

The initial standards address three of the most prevalent diet-related chronic conditions affecting neighbors facing food insecurity:

• Hypertension: low-sodium food guidance to support blood pressure management.
• Diabetes: evidence-based food guidance for blood sugar control.
• Cardiovascular disease: heart-healthy food options to reduce dietary risk factors.

"For neighbors managing chronic health conditions while experiencing food insecurity, access to the right food can make a meaningful difference in their health and well-being. Grounded in nutrition science and informed by the realities facing food insecure patients, these standards help more people access food tailored to their needs and support healthier futures in communities across the country," said Melanie Hall, MS, RDN, Chief Health Research and Evaluation Officer with Feeding America.

The standards translate nutrition science into the community-based care environment by starting with the foods that neighbors can access and organizations that can provide support. In collaboration with the Academy, Feeding America will expand this work to include additional resources, such as patient care guidance, implementation practices and training supports, to help community-based organizations move from aspiration to action in Food as Medicine.

"Medically tailored grocery programs must be grounded in evidence, clinically appropriate and designed for the communities they serve," said Tammy Randall, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND, 2026-2027 Academy President. "The Academy is proud to work with Feeding America to help bring the expertise of registered dietitian nutritionists to community-based Food as Medicine programs so more people managing chronic conditions and food insecurity can receive nutrition support that is practical, dignified and tailored to their health needs."

To learn more about Feeding America's Food as Medicine work and MTG standards, visit feedingamerica.org. To learn more about the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, visit eatright.org.

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About Feeding America 
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation's most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.

About the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, representing more than 112,000 credentialed practitioners. The Academy is committed to improving global health and advancing the profession of nutrition and dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Learn more at eatright.org.