Q&A: Organic Food

Question:  We have a resident whose doctor is stating they should eat only organic food instead of regular food due to a medical condition.  From my investigation, organic food costs 10% – 30% more than regular supermarket food.  Therefore, shouldn’t we expense 20% of the food bill toward medical expenses?  Our CA states that the entire bill for food – minus the light bulbs and toilet paper – should be counted as a medical expense.
~ Cheryl in PA

Answer:  Policy clarified this one in an email on September 5, 2013.  HUD does not allow for organic or gluten-free food items to be considered medical expenses.