The proposed bill establishes the Food is Medicine NJ Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services (DHS) to address the pressing issues of food insecurity and diet-related chronic diseases 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, heart failure, and obesity-related conditions. The program will serve up to 3,000 high-risk Medicaid recipients with complex chronic conditions and an additional 7,000 at-risk individuals. A third-party evaluator will assess the program's effectiveness in reducing emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall Medicaid costs.

The bill highlights the significant healthcare challenges New Jersey faces, including high rates of diet-related diseases and the associated financial burden on the healthcare system. It mandates that the DHS, in consultation with the Department of Health, report interim findings to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of enactment, with a final report due 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.