At EFN, we’ve long known that food is medicine — especially for our neighbors managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney failure. But for that medicine to work, it must be nutritious, medically appropriate, and produced right here in Washington.

That’s why EFN is testifying today (1/12/26) in the Senate and again on Wednesday (1/14/26) in the House in support of SB 5966 and HB 2211. These bills create clear standards for Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) and ensures Washington’s public dollars are invested in Washington communities. Local distributors and Washington producers are uniquely equipped to do this work well.

Through the pandemic, we learned just how important it is to keep food systems close to home — it allows us to use the infrastructure we’ve already built, deliver fresher and more nutritious meals, reduce our environmental impact, and keep public dollars circulating in our own communities.

“Washington for Washington” is how we honor those investments, protect local jobs, and ensure our medically fragile neighbors receive food that is not only healing, but rooted in care and connection.

What are Medically Tailored Meals?

Medically Tailored Meals are not standard frozen meals. They are meals designed by registered dietitians or other qualified healthcare professionals to meet a specific person’s medical needs. They are prepared in certified kitchens, flash-frozen, and delivered directly to patients who are managing serious health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals can help low-income Washingtonians better manage their chronic health conditions by receiving healthy food they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

EFN is part of the Medically Tailored Meals Coalition of Washington, a statewide partnership of a dozen organizations serving every corner of the state. Some of us already provide MTMs and are ready to expand. Others are eager to launch programs but need the structure and clarity SB 5966 & HB2211 would provide.

Why These Bills Matter

Washington has already invested over $6 million in capacity building infrastructure through the Department of Commerce so communities can prepare these meals locally. HB2211 & SB 5966 don’t require new spending — they simply allow us to finally use what we have built.

These bills do the following:

1. Protect patients. SB 5966 & HB 2211 establish clear, statewide standards for what qualifies as a medically tailored meal. Without these guidelines, patients risk receiving meals that do not meet their medical or nutritional needs — undermining both health outcomes and public trust.

2. Improve health and saves money. In states that have implemented MTMs correctly, patients experience fewer emergency department visits, higher primary care engagement, and better self-management of chronic illness. A 2025 model published in Health Affairs estimates Washington could save around $3,000 per person per year by expanding MTM access for eligible patients.

3. Keep Washington dollars in Washington. SB 5966 & HB 2211 include expectations that meals be sourced locally when possible. That means supporting Washington farmers, processors, distributors, and nonprofit kitchens — instead of sending public dollars to out-of-state vendors.

In an era of trade disruptions, rising costs, and fragile supply chains, local capacity is our resilience. We have already invested in it. Now we need to use it.

EFN Is Testifying — and We Need You

EFN is testifying today on the Senate bill and will testify again on Wednesday for the House version. If you want your voice to be heard, please submit a comment on the House bill by Wednesday.

How to comment on HB 2211:

1. Go to the bill page: HB 2211 Washington State Legislature.

2. Click “Comment on this bill.”

3. Enter your address to verify your legislative district.

4. Select “Support.”

5. Tell lawmakers why Washington for Washington matters to you.

You can also view the House committee members who will hear this bill and contact them directly from the same page.

Why This Moment Matters

This bill is about more than healthcare. It’s about jobs, food systems, community investment, and dignity. Passing this legislation means we can:

• Care for low-income neighbors living with chronic illness
• Strengthen Washington’s agricultural and food production economy
• Protect local jobs in a tight budget climate
• Use the infrastructure we already paid for

Food really is medicine — but only if we get the implementation right. And getting it right means Washington for Washington.

Sources:

1. Washington State Legislature – SB 5966 Bill Summary

2. Washington State Legislature – SB 5966 Bill Text (2025–26)