The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health has declared that 80 health organizations have penned a letter to Congress, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and conservation in farm policy. The letter also outlines opportunities for lawmakers to enhance health equity and address the climate crisis.

According to a press release by the consortium, the signatories of the letter - representing doctors, nurses, scientists, and other health professionals - are urging Congress "to meet this moment with the health of their constituents as the north star."

The press release states that while U.S. farm policy affects everyone, it is particularly crucial for low-income families. For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves over 41 million people, including 15 million children and 1.2 million veterans. The consortium suggests that conservation programs assist farmers in producing nutrient-rich food while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. A health-focused farm policy benefits those most impacted by a lack of healthy food and climate change.

Lisa Patel, executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health said: "As health professionals and scientists, we urge U.S. farm policy to prioritize affordable and nutritious food as well as clean air and water." Patel added: "We do a disservice to both nutrition and conservation programs by prioritizing one over the other or considering them separate issues when both are critical to human health."

According to information available on its website, the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health collaborates with more than 100 medical societies and allied health groups in working towards a healthy, safe, and just world.