New findings from the nation’s largest Food as Medicine evaluation of its kind show that food bank–health care partnerships reduce hospitalizations and deliver measurable improvements in health outcomes.
The 2026 Food as Medicine 3.0 (FAM3) Cumulative Report represents one of the largest national Food as Medicine evaluations to date, focusing specifically on healthy grocery provision delivered through coordinated food bank and health care partner programs.
Funded by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s national Foundation and evaluated by the Center for Nutrition & Health Impact, the initiative screened more than 1.45 million patients for food insecurity and connected more than 161,000 households across 13 states to Food as Medicine programs.
Taken together, the findings reinforce the role of nutritious food as a foundational part of health, particularly for individuals and families facing hunger, who are more likely to experience chronic illness and higher health care costs. Across the initiative, hospitalizations decreased by 14% and emergency department visit rates fell by 11%, reflecting reduced health care utilization alongside improved stability for participating households. Food security also improved, with a nearly 7 percentage point increase overall, representing a 47% relative increase.
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As part of the program, Feed More, in partnership with the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, worked closely with local health care partners to help neighbors access dietitian-designed foods tailored to both taste and medical needs, including support for diet-related chronic conditions. These services help address the difficult tradeoffs many families face between paying for food and accessing health care. Local participants reported notable health improvements, including a 30% reduction in hospitalizations and 22% fewer emergency department visits.
Join Feed More, Feeding America and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to put food at the center for better health for everyone. Read the full findings from the largest national Food as Medicine evaluation of its kind.
About Feed More
Feed More nourishes communities and empowers the lives of children, families, individuals and seniors across Central Virginia. Operating one of the most sophisticated hunger-relief systems in the country, Feed More distributes more than 39 million pounds of food annually through a network of over 380 partner agencies. With a 57-year legacy of trust, stewardship and innovation, Feed More is committed to helping neighbors across the 29 counties and 5 cities it serves.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation
The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation. The Foundation works to improve the health of the socially vulnerable through partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal-infant health; behavioral health; and food as medicine. Additionally, the Foundation also responds to disasters when our communities need us the most. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. To learn more about the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and the Elevance Health Foundation, please visit www.elevancehealth.foundation.
About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country to ensure 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 to drive 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, acting united with 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.
