The proposed Bill No. 6089 aims to enhance food security in Connecticut by implementing several key measures. It seeks to provide universal free school meals, mitigate benefits cliffs in state-administered assistance programs, and increase the minimum benefit under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to pursue federal approval for a Medicaid waiver that would allow food to be treated as medicine for Medicaid funding purposes. Other initiatives include establishing regional food access hubs, expanding food business incubators, enhancing support for local food purchasing, and creating a dedicated special fund for food and nutrition in the state budget to ensure the sustainability of food access initiatives.

The bill emphasizes the importance of reducing barriers to food security while supporting local economies and improving access to nutritious food. The proposed changes reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity by not only providing immediate assistance but also fostering long-term solutions through dedicated funding and infrastructure development.