2/17/2026
WASHINGTON D.C. – On February 3, 2026, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. As part of this legislation funding the Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2026, the bill appropriates $15 million in grants for community-based organizations to provide produce prescriptions for pregnant women. Produce prescriptions provide healthy food for eligible patients with diet-related health conditions; these interventions improve blood sugar control, blood pressure, weight management, and dietary quality.
Good nutrition during pregnancy is critically important to maternal and birth outcomes. Offering produce prescriptions to pregnant women increases consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables during pregnancy, leading to healthier and better nourished mothers and babies. These interventions will contribute to improved gestational diabetes outcomes, better overall physical and mental health, and improved birth outcomes for pregnant women.
The evidence is clear: produce prescriptions improve health outcomes for individuals across demographics, geographies, and health conditions. NPPC applauds Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) for their work to provide pregnant women access to produce prescriptions. This is an important step for this population, and NPPC remains committed to broadening federal support for produce prescriptions as a key component of medical treatment for all individuals suffering from chronic conditions.
“We are so excited to see HHS allocating funds for produce prescriptions to benefit pregnant women,” says Hannah Sehn, Executive Director of COPE, whose work is focused on Navajo Nation. “We know nutrition is paramount for optimal maternal and birth outcomes. We have seen firsthand the impact of healthy fruit and vegetable consumption as part of our programs for pregnant women and families. We look forward to seeing that impact grow as these funds reach local clinics and communities, promoting the health of mothers, babies, and generations to come.”
“Access to healthy food during pregnancy improves outcomes for parents and children alike. This commonsense, evidenced-based treatment option ensures that families get the nutrition they need during this critical time,” Representative Pingree said. “By investing in maternal produce prescriptions, we’re making sure that income doesn’t determine whether a child gets a healthy start in life—all while reducing long-term health care costs, strengthening families, and improving health outcomes in communities across the country.”
“As an OB-GYN, I know nutrition during pregnancy matters for both mom and baby. Food is medicine, and the first thing I prescribed to my pregnant moms—making sure families can access healthy food during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes,” said Senator Marshall. “Produce prescriptions will help expecting mothers get the nutrition they need while reducing the risk of chronic disease.”
“Nutrition is vital for healthy pregnancies and babies, but far too many expecting mothers don’t have access to the right food,” said Representative Kelly. “I’m proud to have secured federal funds for produce prescriptions for pregnant women to ensure healthier outcomes. I brought the issue of maternal mortality to Congress, and I’ll continue to attack this public health crisis from all angles, including produce prescriptions.”
When patients receive healthy food at the point of care, they can better manage their health and nutrition – improving their lives and curbing healthcare costs. This funding is an outgrowth of years of direct service provision, advocacy, research, and evaluation of produce
prescriptions. We look forward to gathering our members’ collective experience, knowledge, and recommendations to inform the implementation of these grants and programs. Offering this impactful intervention to pregnant women is a commonsense intervention that will result in healthier mothers and babies, an outcome we can all support.
