UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A new bill was introduced in Prince George’s County on July 1 that would help tackle the issue of declining health by offering diet-based preventive care. Council Member Wala Blegay introduced CB-067-2025, aimed at helping to reduce “chronic disease, address food insecurity, and improve long-term health outcomes” in Prince George’s County.
Council Member Blegay highlighted that what we eat matters and that health in our communities will only improve if we focus on prevention equally to treatment.
“This legislation is rooted in a simple truth: what we eat matters. We must move toward a future where our healthcare system doesn’t just treat illness, but helps prevent it. Through this program, we are recognizing the healing power of nutritious, natural foods and supporting a system that prioritizes health equity for all Prince Georgians,” said Council Member Blegay.
Under the Food as Medicine Health Program Act of 2025, the Department of Health in Prince George’s County would work with farmers, food banks, and healthcare organizations to ensure that residents have access to advice that will keep them healthy in the long term.
Produce prescriptions may also be offered by the Health Department to help residents struggling with conditions like diabetes. The coordinated delivery of healthy meals to residents could also be possible under the Food as Medicine Health Program Act.
Joe Liu, the director of advocacy and public policy at the Capital Area Food Bank, recently applauded County Council Member Wala Blegay for introducing CB-067-2025, stating, “With half of the county’s residents confronting hunger, this bill would deliver a triple win: improved health outcomes, greater food security, and lower healthcare expenditures.”
Collaborations between local governments and community organizations are essential in solving food insecurity and achieving healthy outcomes for all. Many families don’t have access to the nutritious food they need, which is why the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and the Prince George’s County government offer resources to help residents find nearby food banks.
The food that people eat can affect every aspect of their life, and some research reviews have even suggested that diet could have an underappreciated impact on mental health, like a 2022 review by Mateusz Grajek.
The Future of Health in Prince George’s County Is Bright
The introduction of the Food as Medicine Health Program Act coincides with the adoption of CR-054-2025, which instructs the Prince George’s County Health Department to collaborate with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission on the construction of a health atlas. The atlas will aid the county in creating further health-related legislation to solve growing concerns in local communities.
If adopted, the CB-067-2025 bill would overhaul how healthcare is treated in Prince George’s County, putting a stronger emphasis on diet and preventive care. The extra guidance, grants, and services may help combat chronic health problems and also offer preventive measures to build a healthier future in Prince George’s County.
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