Why it Matters
Wholesome Wave dramatically expanded its lobbying firepower by hiring healthcare specialists McDermottPlus LLC. The nonprofit previously had minimal lobbying presence but now gains seasoned professionals with deep Medicare and Medicaid expertise. The timing coincides with growing bipartisan Congressional support for "food as medicine" initiatives.
By the Numbers
- New lobbying team: Three experienced lobbyists from McDermottPlus LLC
- Kristen O’Brien: Healthcare policy specialist
- Joshua M. Jorgensen: Former Legislative Aide to Sen. Mike Rounds
- Debra S. Curtis: 13 years Congressional experience, former Ways and Means Health Subcommittee staff
- Previous lobbying: Wholesome Wave conducted limited internal lobbying in 2024-2025
Broader Context
Chronic diseases drive rising healthcare costs while food insecurity affects millions of Americans. Congressional committees are examining nutrition’s role in preventing disease. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently testified about shifting healthcare focus toward nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
The Agenda
Wholesome Wave will lobby on “efforts related to Produce Prescriptions” across four issue areas: Medicare/Medicaid, Budget/Appropriations, Health Issues, and Agriculture. The organization previously advocated for VA produce prescription funding, NIH “food as medicine” research, and Medicare/Medicaid policy changes supporting nutrition programs.
Competitive Landscape
Several organizations are pushing similar initiatives. Food Fix Campaign Action Inc. advocates for national hunger strategy and Medicare food interventions. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics lobbies for medical nutrition therapy expansion. Even Instacart is pushing federal nutrition program changes.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively considering food-as-medicine legislation. H.R.1289 would create VA “Food is Medicine” pilot programs. H.R.5439 proposes Medicare medically-tailored meal pilots. Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Sen. Tina Smith, and Sen. Roger Marshall introduced bipartisan medically-tailored meal legislation.
The House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held hearings on modernizing healthcare, highlighting chronic disease prevention. The Senate Special Committee on Aging examined senior wellness and nutrition’s health impact.
The Bottom Line
Wholesome Wave’s strategic lobbying upgrade positions the organization to capitalize on Congressional momentum for nutrition-based healthcare interventions. With experienced healthcare lobbyists and bipartisan legislative interest, produce prescription programs may gain significant federal support.
All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article