On January 22nd, Children’s HealthWatch, based at Boston Medical Center, submitted a testimony to Chairwoman Comerford, Chairman Mahoney, and  members of the Joint Committee on Public Health in support of S.2453: “An Act relative to establishing a Food and Health Pilot Program”. As a nonpartisan network of pediatricians, public health researchers, and children’s health and policy experts committed to improving children’s health in America, we understand the harmful health and economic consequences of food insecurity and diet-related illness.

Currently, the state has an opportunity to implement an innovative pilot program that would simultaneously address food insecurity and chronic disease among low-income households, and equip healthcare systems with evidence of the effectiveness of medically tailored nutrition programs to improve health outcomes and decrease cost of care.

S.2453 will bring Massachusetts closer to integrating our food and healthcare systems across the state in a way that is outcome-driven and cost-effective. This bill is necessary to grow our research base, and address the health needs of individuals and entire households. Supporting the health and development of children and families across our Commonwealth is essential to our state’s current and future prosperity and well-being. Decades of research show comprehensive, multi-sector strategies that reduce hardships are necessary to achieve optimal health outcomes and financial stability. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to continue to enable Massachusetts to lead on the innovation of healthcare front by swiftly and favorably reporting this important piece of legislation out of committee.