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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Andrew Winakor, President of ProHealth Connect, on Flexible Benefit Card Acceptance

0:50:17

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153 sec

Andrew Winakor, President of ProHealth Connect, testifies in support of legislation mandating retailers to accept over-the-counter (OTC) and grocery benefit cards, also known as flexible benefit cards. He argues that this would address food insecurity, enhance access to culturally appropriate foods, and improve health outcomes through culturally connected diets.

  • Emphasizes the importance of access to culturally relevant foods for diverse communities and its connection to cultural heritage
  • Highlights the "food is medicine" movement and the role of nutritious food in preventing and managing diet-related chronic diseases
  • Cites examples such as Grow NYC's OTC network partnering with health insurance companies to allow the use of OTC benefits at local markets