Overview: Regulation of Food, Nutrition and Health

State governments play a vital role in creating and implementing policies that serve and protect the public. In the areas of food, nutrition and health, states may inspect or certify some food establishments and food products, administer programs that provide food assistance and nutrition education to individuals and families, establish educational standards and wellness policies for schools, administer public health programs, regulate nursing homes, oversee insurance programs and ensure many residents have coverage for important health care needs.