The Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC) is proud to announce the development of the first-ever standard for Medically Tailored Groceries (MTGs). MTGs are shelf-stable and perishable foods that are provided to individuals living with severe, complex or chronic illnesses based on a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist’s (RDN) assessment of their nutritional needs and disease- specific, evidence-based tailoring as part of a therapeutic diet plan. This standard will complement the existing standard for Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs), expanding FIMC’s leadership in defining evidence-based nutrition interventions.
Alongside FIMC’s long history of supporting MTMs and nutrition programs, the national coalition also supports practitioners across the country delivering MTGs, medical nutrition therapy, and nutrition counseling and education to individuals living with severe and/or chronic illnesses. MTGs play an essential role in supporting individuals who may not require fully prepared meals but still need access to carefully tailored, condition-specific foods following assessment by an RDN.
The rigorous MTG standard development process will include multiple rounds of review and consultation with FIMC stakeholders, including MTG providers and RDNs through FIMC’s established Standard Development Committee process. The process will also include targeted check-ins with a group of additional subject matter experts on key pieces of standard development and excellence in MTG delivery to strengthen the final standard. This inclusive, multistakeholder approach will ensure the standard reflects the practical needs of community-based providers delivering medically tailored nutrition every day.
The process will be facilitated by SCS Standards and Assurance Systems, a leader in standard development with deep expertise in designing credible, consensus‑based frameworks that support quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. SCS Standards led the previous development of the MTM Accreditation Criteria and Requirements (ACR) and assists FIMC in keeping the standard current.
The MTG Standard will launch in 2027, establishing a clear benchmark to ensure MTG providers deliver high-quality, credible, and verified MTG delivery. Like standardized frameworks across the healthcare continuum, the Standard will align the Food is Medicine intervention with policy goals, strengthen the evidence base for medically tailored nutrition, and advance a sustainable model proven to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization among high-risk populations. For FIMC and its members, this milestone reflects an enduring commitment to ensuring access to high-quality nutrition for people living with illness.
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