CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO HELP COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by Rochester community health centers and advocates to announce the introduction of his Improving Health Through Integrated Food and Nutrition Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers Act, legislation he authored to help community health centers integrate food and nutrition services directly into patient care.

The announcement comes as FQHCs face increased pressure following the enactment of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill, which makes deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP at a time when families are already struggling with the cost of food and healthcare.

“Access to healthy food and access to quality healthcare are deeply connected, and families should not have to navigate one system after another just to get the basic support they need,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “At the same time President Trump and Congressional Republicans are cutting Medicaid and SNAP through their Big Ugly Bill, community health centers are being asked to do even more for the people who rely on them. My legislation gives these trusted local providers practical tools to meet patients where they are, connect them with nutritious food and existing assistance, and help people stay healthier in the first place.”

“At Trillium Health, we see every day how access to nutritious food directly affects a person's ability to stay healthy and manage chronic conditions,” said Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President and CEO of Trillium Health. “For example, patients with diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension cannot effectively manage their conditions without reliable access to nutritious food. Meanwhile, the need continues to grow. Trillium Health operates one of Rochester’s largest food pantries, and in 2026 alone, we have already provided food to over 2,800 households. Congressman Morelle's legislation recognizes what community health centers have long understood: access to nutritious food is fundamental to good health, and community health centers need sustainable resources to support this work. We are extremely grateful for Congressman Morelle's leadership and his commitment to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve.”

“Every day at Jordan Health, we see firsthand how access to nutritious food directly impacts a person's health and well-being. Too often, patients are forced to choose between paying for food, medication, housing, or other basic necessities," said Dr. Fredrick Johnson, Interim President and CEO of Jordan Health. "Congressman Morelle's legislation recognizes that healthcare extends beyond the walls of a medical exam room. This legislation would be critical for our Lifestyle Medicine Program, which is focused on nutrition and the development of healthy choices and improving health outcomes.  We are grateful for Congressman Morelle's leadership and commitment to ensuring that Federally Qualified Health Centers have the tools necessary to care for the whole person.”

President and CEO of Oak Orchard Community Health Center Marco C. Altieri said, “Community health centers understand that good health is about more than what happens in the exam room. Access to healthy food can have a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to manage chronic conditions and live a healthier life. Congressman Morelle’s legislation recognizes that connection and gives FQHCs practical tools to better support the whole person. We are grateful for his continued leadership and his commitment to strengthening community health centers and the communities we serve.”

Dr. Mike Weston, Executive Director of His Branches, said: "Many of our patients continue to struggle with access to affordable and nutritious food. Those in this position continue to experience a reduced quality of health, lower life satisfaction, and shorter life expectancy. Congressman Morelle's proposal will create not only greater access for food, but also a greater collaboration between patients and clinicians in order to develop medically tailored strategies leading to stronger bodies and minds across our region."

Millions of Americans struggle to access enough healthy food, creating additional challenges for people managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. FQHCs are uniquely positioned to address that challenge because they already care for patients who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, chronic disease, and limited access to affordable, nutritious food. Here in the Rochester region, community health centers are already working tirelessly to address these barriers, but there’s still more work to be done.

Congressman Morelle’s legislation would establish a competitive grant program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to give FQHCs additional resources to integrate food and nutrition support into care.

Specifically, the legislation would allow participating health centers to:

• Screen patients for food insecurity during regular visits;
• Operate on-site food pantries;
• Partner with local food banks, farms, and nutrition assistance programs;
• Hire registered dietitians and other nutrition professionals;
• Provide culturally tailored nutrition education; and
• Help streamline patient referrals and enrollment in programs including SNAP and WIC.

The legislation would also provide health centers with technical assistance to integrate these services into care delivery and support data collection and evaluation. It authorizes $100 million annually from FY27 through FY31 to support the grant program. By bringing those services together, Morelle’s legislation would help community health centers address a challenge they already see every day while giving patients a simpler path to the resources they need to stay healthy.

“I’m grateful to our community health centers for the extraordinary work they do every day,” Morelle continued. “I look forward to working with them and all of my colleagues to build support for this legislation in Congress and see it signed into law.”

###