Employer Learning and Action Network
Purpose:
The American Heart Association Health Care by Food™ (HCXF) team launched an Employer Learning and Action Network (LAN) to support adoption of food is medicine strategies in the workplace. Through expert-led sessions, peer collaboration and one-on-one support, employers will gain practical guidance, share best practices and drive measurable impact on employee health.
Period of Engagement:
The Employer Learning and Action Network launched in May 2026. Employer participation is offered on a rolling basis, with a minimum of one-year commitment and the option to renew. Continued participation is encouraged to advance FIM integration and maximize learning opportunities.
Benefits to Employers:
Participants receive facilitated discussion, peer networking and structured learning designed to support the implementation and/or enhancement of FIM initiatives. These efforts aim to improve chronic disease prevention and management while demonstrating return and value on investment.
Cost to Participate:
There is not a direct cost to employers to participate in the Employer Learning and Action Network or the technical assistance opportunities. However, participating employers do need to agree to the terms outlined in the Statement of Commitment:
- Designate at least one organization representative to take part in all Employer Learning and Action Network virtual convenings.
- Quarterly live engagement sessions (1 hour)
- Maintain or implement at least one active FIM program* that is adequately resourced to provide useful learnings on health and economic impacts.
- Participate in 1:1 interviews and other evaluation activities.
- Set clear goals and actionable next steps to inform the broader HCXF food is medicine employer strategy.
- Contribute to knowledge-sharing efforts highlighting the role of employers in advancing food is medicine (e.g., white paper, insight brief, case study, publication).
LAN participants are also invited to engage in individualized support with FIM subject matter experts. Examples of 1:1 support include, but are not limited to:
- Defining a strategic approach to FIM
- FIM program design
- Eligibility criteria and participant selection
- Assess and enhance employee engagement and recruitment strategies
- Structuring FIM evaluation to assess return on investment and value on investment metrics
- Recommended metrics and evaluation tools to track health improvements, health care utilization, employee satisfaction and cost effectiveness
- Provide guidance on structured evaluation to maximize impact and outcomes