The Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University brings together multidisciplinary experts and partners to make nutrition a standard part of health care. Through major clinical trials, implementation research, and policy leadership, Tufts is the global academic leader in Food is Medicine. The Institute translates evidence into practice and policy so health systems can improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and provide better care through the healing power of food. Learn more about the Food is Medicine Institute here.

Kaiser Permanente is an integrated health care delivery system comprised of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, and physicians in the Permanente Medical Groups. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. As an example of this dedication, Kaiser Permanente launched its Center of Excellence in Food is Medicine in April 2024. 

The Food is Medicine Institute and Kaiser Permanente have led national efforts to advance the role of nutrition in health care. While FIM interventions show strong promise for improving nutrition and reducing chronic disease risk factors, important implementation questions remain, particularly around patient selection and optimal intervention design.

Through their partnership, the Institute and Kaiser Permanente set out to collectively share learnings and support health care organizations by developing a nationally relevant FIM toolkit. Over the course of a year, the Institute worked closely with Kaiser Permanente leaders and practitioners to identify gaps and barriers in FIM implementation and to co‑create practical resources for health systems and frontline clinicians at varying stages of readiness. This work leveraged Kaiser Permanente’s leadership and clinical expertise to accelerate the growing national interest and evidence base for FIM interventions.

The result is a first-of-its-kind Food is Medicine Toolkit—a practical, accessible resource for FIM practitioners nationwide.

The Food is Medicine Toolkit helps clinicians, health system leaders, and community partners implement evidence-based nutrition programs in clinical care. Because delivery environments vary widely, it provides a flexible framework that teams can adapt to their patient populations, staffing, and technology. This resource offers practical guidance, implementation strategies, and real-world tools to integrate Food is Medicine into care delivery.