The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics led health and nutrition organizations in sending a letter to congressional leaders today, urging the 119th U.S. Congress to work quickly and collaboratively to resolve the current funding impasse and restore access to vital programs that protect the health and well-being of our communities.
The letter highlights the vital need for access to telehealth nutrition services and restoration of access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The 17 organizations urge Congress to act immediately to restore telehealth coverage and prevent further interruption of care. This will ensure that older adults, people with chronic conditions, rural residents and other patients can continue receiving essential nutrition services without delay or added cost.
In addition, the groups call on Congress to act immediately to restore access to WIC and SNAP. The current lapse in funding and delay in benefit distribution threatens the health and stability of millions of the most vulnerable among us including women and children, older adults, and those with disabilities—many of whom already face food insecurity.
Earlier this year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report highlighting that nearly 70% of benefits are received by children (39%), older adults (20%), and individuals living with disabilities (10%) and the majority of household participating in SNAP are living with incomes at or above the federal poverty line.
Beyond the health implications, WIC and SNAP provide measurable economic benefit: according to USDA's Economic Research Service every federal dollar spent on these programs generates $1.54 in economic activity from local spending and supports small businesses such as grocers and farmers' markets.
As stated in the letter, "Disruptions to these programs and services, whether through lapses in funding or expiring authorities are having immediate devastating real-world consequences. Nutrition and health have historically been non-partisan issues because they impact everyone. Our organizations stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure access to life-sustaining care and to strengthen the nation's nutrition safety net. Ensuring that telehealth coverage remains in place and that WIC and SNAP continue to serve communities will help regain public trust and safeguard health outcomes nationwide."
The following organizations added their support to this letter:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Advocates for Better Children's Diets
Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
American Society for Nutrition
Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators
Association of State Public Health Nutritionists
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Interfaith Public Health Network
National Hispanic Health Foundation
National Kidney Foundation
National WIC Association
Obesity Action Coalition
Obesity Care Advocacy Network
Teaching Kitchen Collaborative
The Obesity Society
References
Join the Academy
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!