Nourish West Virginia launches ‘Food is Medicine’ survey to support local food procurement

Nourish West Virginia, an initiative of the West Virginia UniversityInstitute for Community and Rural Health, has launched a Food is Medicine Landscape Survey to help identify and better understand FIM programs in West Virginia. 

“Gaining a clear understanding of where these programs are throughout the state will help us connect producers to them and support values-based procurement in West Virginia,” Megan Govindan, NWV portfolio director, said.  

The survey will be distributed to health care systems, nonprofits and community-based organizations with FIM programs, as well as vendors that work with organizations that have FIM programs. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, April 17, 2026.  

Once the data has been collected, NWV will develop shared resources – such as data visualization tools and in person and virtual learning opporutnities – to foster stakeholder engagement around ongoing Food is Medicine initiatives. The primary goal: strengthen and expand connections between local producers and those who play a role in the food procurement process. 

“These efforts help to build community and health by illuminating the ‘invisible’ community, partners and networks within West Virginia’s food system,” said Govindan.  

As a driver in food system innovation, FIM is central to the strategic efforts of NWV and its many partners, including the WV Food is Medicine Coalition, to improve the health and economic prosperity of West Virginia.  

Download an informational flyer.

Featured photo: Megan Govindan leads a panel discussion during the WV Food is Medicine Coalition Meeting in September 2025 at Stonewall Resort. (Photo credit: MTN Craft/Provided by WV Food is Medicine Coalition)