3/19/25 –
Herman Johnson never imagined that something as simple as fruits and vegetables could change his life. A retired Army veteran from Houston, Texas, Johnson had struggled with weight issues for years, tipping the scales at over 300 pounds. His diet— like that of so many army veterans— was heavy on processed foods and light on fresh produce. But under a new pilot backed by the Rockefeller Foundation, he has become one of the first beneficiaries of a big bet that Food is Medicine (FIM) can redefine healthcare as we currently know it.
The numbers are staggering: 90% of the $4.3 trillion America spends on healthcare goes to chronic diseases— many fueled by poor diets— that disproportionately impact vulnerable groups such as people of color, low-income households, rural communities, seniors, and veterans. Every year, 500,000 people die from diet-related conditions, driving $1.1 trillion in healthcare costs— the same amount the country spends on food…
