Inaugural Health Care by Food research award honors excellence in food is medicine science

DALLAS, March 23, 2026 — At a time when American dietary patterns are facing renewed attention, the American Heart Association has announced its inaugural Health Care by Food™ Most Impactful Food Is Medicine Research Award, honoring the year’s most meritorious scientific study exploring effective ways to integrate healthy food into clinical care to address the growing prevalence and cost of cardiovascular disease and other diet‑related chronic diseases.

“This award reflects the American Heart Association’s commitment to advancing rigorous food is medicine science that addresses health disparities and improves outcomes for patients at highest risk,” said Kevin Volpp, M.D., Ph.D., Health Care by Food research lead and the Mark V Pauly Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School and Director of the Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania. “By recognizing exemplary research, the Heart Association aims to accelerate clinical adoption, support policy pathways and expand access to nutritious food as a component of health care.”