Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan has introduced two legislative bills aimed at improving the mental and physical health of veterans in the United States. The first bill, known as the Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025, seeks to provide enhanced nutritional food options to veterans through a "food as medicine" approach. This initiative will be implemented via a pilot program by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, offering medically tailored meals and groceries to eligible veterans.

"Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we must ensure they have access to the full range of care and benefits they have earned and deserve," Buchanan stated. He emphasized that veterans face higher rates of chronic illness compared to the general population, making innovative healthcare solutions essential.

The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC). Buchanan and Moore co-chair the Congressional Preventive Health and Wellness Caucus. Rep. Moore remarked on the importance of this initiative: "The Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act honors our nation’s commitment to ensuring our heroes receive high quality, effective health services."

The legislation has garnered support from several organizations including the Healthcare Leadership Council, Feeding Tampa Bay, and Manatee County Veterans Council. Maria Ghazal from the Healthcare Leadership Council expressed support for leveraging medically-tailored nutrition as part of veteran healthcare.

Additionally, Buchanan has proposed the Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025. This bill aims to address gaps in mental health care by establishing a three-year pilot program directing veterans experiencing mental health crises to non-VA providers for timely care.

Buchanan highlighted Florida's significant veteran population in need of improved mental health services: "Florida is home to more than 1.4 million veterans... Yet too many of them face unacceptable delays when trying to access critical mental health services." The suicide rate among Florida's veterans underscores this need.

Support for this mental health legislation comes from Operation Warrior Resolution, Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Charity Assembly #3089, and Manatee County Veterans Council. Kendra Simpkins Walsh from Operation Warrior Resolution praised Buchanan's efforts: "We proudly support the mental health legislation introduced by Congressman Vern Buchanan."

Buchanan's ongoing advocacy for veteran welfare also includes previous initiatives like the Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 136), which mandates reviews on veteran suicides or drug overdose deaths treated by VA over five years.