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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Andrew Winakor, President of ProHealth Connect, on Flexible Benefit Card Acceptance
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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
Andrew Winakor
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My name is Andrew Wennecore.
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I'm the president of ProHealth Connect.
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We're a health care fintech platform that supports independent retailers and their acceptance of OTC and grocery benefits.
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Implementing legislation that mandates retailers to accept over the counter and grocery benefit cards, also known as flexible benefit cards, can significantly address issues related to food insecurity, enhance access to culturally appropriate foods, and improve health health outcomes through culturally connected diets.
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Food insecurity affects millions, loaning consistent access to nutrition food.
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By requiring retailers to accept OTC and grocery benefit cards, beneficiaries can utilize their health plan allowances to purchase essential groceries, thereby reducing hunger and promoting better nutrition.
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For 58 of multicultural Americans, food plays a crucial role in connecting them with their cultural heritage.
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This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Asians and Hispanics.
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Consequently, these consumers actively seek food products and brands that facilitate this connection for the preservation of their heritage.
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Access to culturally relevant foods is vital for diverse communities.
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Initiatives such as Grow NYC's OTC network have partnered with health insurance companies to allow individuals to use their OTC benefits at local markets, enabling the purchase of fresh locally sourced produce that aligns with cultural dietary preferences.
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This approach not only supports nutritional needs, but also respects cultural food practices.
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Access such as this needs to be expanded.
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Consuming culturally familiar foods can lead to improved health outcomes.
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The food is medicine movement emphasizes the inclusion of nutritious food as part of health care coverage, equating its importance to that of prescription drugs.
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Access to healthy food is critical for preventing and managing diet related chronic diseases, which affect a significant portion of the population and result in substantial health care costs.
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Access to culture connected foods has been shown to improve health outcomes through various clinical studies.
Julie Menin
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If you could please just wrap up.
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Thank
Andrew Winakor
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you.
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Integrating, culturally relevant dietary practices into health interventions can enhance acceptance and effectiveness, particularly in managing chronic diseases.
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In summary, requiring retailers to accept flexible cards can play a crucial role in reducing food insecurity, providing access to culture appropriate foods, and enhancing outcomes through diets that honor cultural traditions.
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Thank you.