Food is Medicine is a proven, cost-effective solution that: (1) Saves money: Preventing costly hospitalizations and emergency visits (2) Improves health: Demonstrated reductions in A1c, blood pressure, and food insecurity and (3) Strengthens communities: Supporting local food systems and Virginia's agricultural economy and (4) Has bipartisan support: Successfully implemented in red and blue states nationwide. Food is Medicine interventions include Medically tailored meals, Medically tailored groceries, and Produce prescriptions. These interventions are supported by evidence showing improvements in A1c, BMI, and blood pressure, increased produce intake, reduced depression, and decreased hospitalizations/ER utilization. HB1434 will grant Virginia Medicaid managed care organizations authority to offer Food is Medicine interventions as In Lieu of Services (ILOS) for eligible populations, starting with high‑priority groups identified by DMAS. In Roanoke City, and now throughout the region, our Food is Medicine Produce Prescription program has improved diabetes control (HBA1c reduction of 0.39), improved food security (45% of participants), and improved nutrition (71% increased fruit and 63% increased vegetable intake). In words of one of our Produce Rx participants: "I stopped taking my blood pressure medicine, because I was eating more fruits and vegetables and that I could afford to eat now." Produce Rx programs can improve health by tackling the root causes of illness. By helping people obtain fresh fruits and vegetables and learn about nutrition as part of their medical care, these programs support better health and quality of life. They also strengthen local food systems by supporting farmers, local businesses, and economies.

Support Food is Medicine: A Cost-Effective Solution for Virginia As a constituent from Fairfax County (5904 Mount Eagle Drive, 22303), I urge you to support Food is Medicine HB 1434 (Delegate Cole) that will improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs across Virginia. Food & Friends home delivers almost 300,000 medically tailored meals (MTMs) to 779 Virginians facing serious illnesses and chronic conditions. We see firsthand how food insecurity fuels Virginia’s chronic disease crisis. In fact, 67% of Food & Friends' clients have an income of less than $1,800/month. We believe in the power of compassion and the importance of neighbors helping neighbors, so we create opportunities for impactful and fulfilling volunteer service that helps our sick neighbors and builds a healthier community for all. MTMs have been associated with reduced depressive symptoms and fewer dilemmas between paying for either food, healthcare or prescriptions. Our client survey shows that 73% of our clients report improved mental health, 83% report improved quality of life, 81% report they are better able to follow doctors’ orders and over 93% of our clients reported that they learned to eat better for their health condition after talking with our dietitians. Our services matter. This year, more of our clients reported that Food & Friends is their only source of food. When we provide medically tailored meals to folks experiencing food insecurity, we alleviate strain on the overall food system. We’re also part of a larger healthy eating movement. With SNAP Ed eliminated, there is a gap in nutrition education. When our clients receive these MTMs, their kids see healthy food choices being modeled. One client recently shared that she appreciates the fresh fruits and vegetables we send with her meals. She said her grandson, who lives with her, likes to share the apples and oranges with his friends in the neighborhood. Proper food and nutrition helps increase absorption of medication, reduces side effects, and helps patients maintain a healthy body weight. As a member of the national Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), we adhere to rigorous nationwide nutrition and quality standards and uniquely employ Medical Nutrition Therapy through our Registered Dietitians, personalizing each client’s nutrition needs and encouraging lifelong improved nutrition. According to the Virginia Department of Health and the American Diabetes Association, serious illnesses such as diabetes cost an estimated $8.4 billion dollars in Virginia each year for the approximately 733,300 adults with diabetes or prediabetes. Research shows that people living with complex health conditions and enrolled in medically tailored meal programs experience 50% fewer inpatient admissions and 70% fewer emergency department visits than similar patients not enrolled in a MTM program. Recently published national research shows that if all US eligible patients received access to MTMs with nutrition standards such as ours, in just the first year of service 1,594,000 hospitalizations could be avoided for a net cost savings of $13.6 billion. Will you support these priorities? Thank you for considering this important investment in Virginia’s health and fiscal future. Sincerely, Raisa Wells Food & Friends rwells@foodandfriends.org