| HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Your voice is needed to make a difference. Here's how you can support HB 6101:
- Submit written testimony in support of the bill: Click here
- Register to speak at the public hearing: Sign up here The deadline to register is Wednesday, February 19, by 3 p.m.
- Spread the word by sharing this email with colleagues, friends, and advocates.
- Tell your legislators by sharing this email and ask them to co-sponsor: Click here
Your testimony can help ensure Connecticut takes a meaningful step toward better health outcomes and food security for all.
Attached are two research briefs presented at last year's Moving Beyond Implications Conference, and sample testimony to use in drafting your own. Please note that if you testify in person, you will be given 3 minutes to speak.
Food as Medicine as a Connecticut Policy Priority
Farm-to-School Presentation
SAMPLE TESTIMONY
Testimony in Support of HB 6101
Public Hearing of the Human Services Committee
Hello to the leadership and members of the Human Services Committee (you may choose to address specifically Chairs Gilchrest and Lesser, Ranking Members Case and Harding,
My name is [Your Name], and I am testifying today in strong support of HB 6101, which aims to expand access to Food as Medicine interventions, including produce prescriptions and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related chronic diseases in Connecticut.
The Urgent Need for Food as Medicine in Connecticut
Connecticut faces a dual crisis of food insecurity and nutrition-related chronic diseases, disproportionately affecting low-income communities, older adults, and people of color. According to the 2024 Food Insecurity in Connecticut Report, 12.5% of households struggle to access nutritious food, a number that has only worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, diet-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are on the rise, placing enormous financial and health burdens on individuals and our healthcare system.
- 9.7% of Connecticut adults have diabetes, and an additional 34.5% have prediabetes, increasing their risk for severe health complications.
- Cardiovascular disease remains the #1 cause of death in Connecticut, with poor diet being a leading contributor.
- Food insecurity and diet-related diseases disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic residents, exacerbating existing health disparities.
The science is clear: increasing access to fruits and vegetables improves health outcomes, reduces chronic disease risk, and lowers healthcare costs.
The Role of Produce Prescriptions and FMNP
HB 6101 takes a proactive, evidence-based approach by:
- Expanding Medicaid coverage for produce prescriptions – allowing healthcare providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables just as they would a medication. Studies show that fruit and vegetable incentive programs improve diet quality, reduce hemoglobin A1C levels, and lower body weight, which are key to managing and preventing chronic disease.
- Enhancing the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) – ensuring that vulnerable populations, including seniors and WIC participants, can afford fresh, locally grown produce. FMNP not only improves food security and dietary quality but also strengthens Connecticut’s local farms and agricultural economy.
- Developing recommendations for medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy provided by a Registered Dietitian – which have been shown to reduce hospitalizations by 49% and significantly cut healthcare costs.
Support from Leading Health Organizations
The American Heart Association's recent presidential advisory emphasizes the critical role of nutrition in preventing cardiovascular disease and supports integrating Food as Medicine interventions into healthcare settings. The advisory highlights that unhealthy diets are a major impediment to achieving a healthier population in the United States and advocates for programs like produce prescriptions to improve dietary habits and health outcomes.
Additionally, a recent article in Nature Medicine titled "Food as medicine: translating the evidence" underscores the potential of dietary interventions to treat a wide variety of chronic conditions and diseases. The article emphasizes the need for strong evidence and a framework to effectively implement these interventions, aligning with the objectives of HB 6101.
Food as Medicine is a Smart Investment
Food as Medicine programs like produce prescriptions and FMNP are not just social programs; they are cost-effective healthcare interventions. Studies have demonstrated that investing in nutrition:
- Reduces hospital visits and emergency care costs.
- Improves patient health outcomes, particularly for diabetes and heart disease.
- Strengthens local farms and food systems, benefiting Connecticut’s economy.
Take Action – Support HB 6101
I urge the committee to support this life-changing legislation. Expanding Food as Medicine interventions will improve health, reduce disparities, and save money in the long term.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am happy to answer any questions.
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation (if applicable)]
[Your Contact Information]
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