1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to encourage you to consider establishing a Special Diet Assistance Program in Colorado to support residents whose medical conditions require specific, often costly dietary needs. I live with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition that requires strict dietary management to avoid serious and sometimes unpredictable reactions. For me, food is not just a preference or lifestyle choice - it is a critical part of managing my health. Many safe foods are limited, highly specific, and significantly more expensive than standard grocery options. Even small deviations can lead to severe symptoms, making consistency essential but financially challenging. Unfortunately, current assistance programs like SNAP do not account for the increased cost of medically necessary diets. This leaves people like me, and many others with conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, kidney disease, and severe food allergies, in a difficult position - forced to choose between affordability and adherence to diets that are essential for preventing serious health complications. A Special Diet Assistance Program would help bridge this gap by providing targeted financial support or supplemental benefits for individuals with documented medical dietary needs. Programs like this have been implemented elsewhere and have shown meaningful improvements in health outcomes, food security, and long-term cost savings. Investing in medically necessary nutrition is both compassionate and fiscally responsible. Supporting individuals in maintaining appropriate diets can reduce hospitalizations, emergency interventions, and the long-term burden on our healthcare system. I urge you to explore this opportunity and consider sponsoring or supporting legislation to create a Special Diet Assistance Program in Colorado. For people like me, this kind of support would make a tangible difference in daily life and long-term health. Thank you for your time and your service to our community.