How Ownership-Based ‘Food Is Medicine’ Initiatives Can Advance Structural Change Olivia Thomas,Ismail Samad,Norma Gonzalez,Kevin Nguyen,andMegan Sandel June 26, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/drains-fountains-ownership-based-food-medicine-initiatives-can-advance-structural?utm_campaign=forefront&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_GHBLlPoDCmWKIs_XGHzK8QgwCwueF9tTqsh3mLJWiLa-6Yqhh8W7-L3uu7CzLABSDm-u_ixlZKa22qPKVwZtKCh1usw&_hsmi=425789085&utm_source=hasu In its current configuration, Food Is Medicine operates as a drain, not a fountain. Money flows into communities to pay for food and services, and grants are paid to support short-term projects, but the money invested does not stay there.