The proposed bill establishes the Food is Medicine NJ Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services (DHS) to address diet-related chronic diseases and food insecurity in New Jersey. With an appropriation of $5,000,000, the program aims to deliver medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and nutrition education to Medicaid recipients diagnosed with specific chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. The program will target up to 3,000 high-risk Medicaid recipients with complex chronic conditions and an additional 7,000 recipients at risk of diet-related illnesses. The DHS will collaborate with various organizations to implement the program and will evaluate its effectiveness in reducing healthcare costs and improving health outcomes.

To ensure accountability and measure the program's impact, the DHS will contract with a third-party evaluator to assess reductions in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall cost savings to the Medicaid program. The bill mandates the submission of an interim report to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of enactment, followed by a final report three years after the program's initiation. The program is designed to expire 30 days after the final report is issued unless extended by the Legislature. This initiative reflects New Jersey's commitment to improving public health and addressing the challenges posed by food insecurity and chronic diseases.