Bay Pines VA Launches Diabetes Emergency Food Bag Pilot For Food-Insecure Veterans

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has launched a food-as-medicine pilot program to provide emergency nutrition support for food-insecure veterans with diabetes. The Diabetes Emergency Food Bag Pilot Program combines diabetes-appropriate food with nutrition education to help veterans better manage their condition. Bay Pines VA leaders hope to expand the model to support veterans with other chronic conditions.

The program was developed for veterans who screened positive for food insecurity. During more than 65,000 food insecurity screenings conducted in 2025, approximately 2% of veterans, or more than 1,300 individuals, reported difficulty accessing consistent, nutritious . . .