WV HB4982

Reestablishes the Office of Healthy Lifestyles within the West Virginia Department of Health to coordinate statewide efforts to combat obesity and promote wellness through a 13-member Healthy Lifestyle Coalition appointed by July 1, 2026

Creates a "Food Is Medicine" program under Medicaid providing nutrition counseling, medically tailored meals, and grocery provisions for members with nutrition-related chronic diseases

Requires coordination with the Department of Education to implement physical fitness initiatives including a potential Governor's Fitness Test for grades 4-12, while prohibiting schools from restricting recess or physical activity as punishment for K-8 students

Establishes a county grant program prioritizing Farm-to-School initiatives and mandates collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to study food additives/dyes and map "food desert" zones statewide

Continues the Healthy Lifestyles Fund as a special revenue account and requires annual reporting to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability by December 1