The Eating Disorders Coalition advances the recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority throughout the United States. 

There are two main avenues for addressing eating disorders policies at the federal level. The first is to incorporate eating disorders into already existing and moving initiatives. The second avenue is to help define the Congressional agenda by advocating for the drafting and introduction of new bills that improve the lives of people who are affected by eating disorders.

CURRENT POLICY EFFORTS

FISCAL YEAR 2026 APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS

Labor, Health, and Human Services:

• $5 million for SAMSHA's Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders to train primary care providers in the SBIRT-ED model and to launch a public service announcement campaign to enhance awareness of eating disorders
• $750,000 for the HHS Office on Women's Health to fund research grants for early detection and treatment protocols for women and girls with or at risk of eating disorders.

View our infographic for more information here.

Agriculture:

• Language to update local school wellness policies to incorporate eating disorder prevention and education.

NUTRITION CARE ACT

 The Nutrition CARE Act, led by Represenatives Chu (D-CA-28),Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) would expand access to care for seniors with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is the process of providing treatment and recovery around food and nutrition from a registered dietitian to address the complex nature of eating disorders. 

KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT

The Kids Online Safety Act, led by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) would improve online safety for children and teens. Its primary goal is to hold social media platforms and tech companies accountable for protecting minors from harmful content and online risks.