Image by Couleur from Pixabay
August 5, 2023 - FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Ranking Member of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, along with Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) have introduced H.R. 5099 - Dairy Nutrition Incentives Act of 2023, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would expand access to dairy products for SNAP recipients, while supporting dairy farmers in California and across the nation.
“Dairy products provide vital nutrients to maintain a healthy diet and strong bone density. But the lack of access and consumption are impeding positive health outcomes for Americans of all ages,” said Congressman Costa. “Our bipartisan legislation will change that by expanding incentives to purchase products like cheese and yogurt while supporting dairy farmers in the San Joaquin Valley and nationwide.”
“I’m proud to join Congressman Costa to introduce this legislation to expand access to dairy products and promote the long-term health of Americans. This effort will help to put healthy dairy options from farms in Western New York on more dinner tables,” said Congressman Langworthy.
“In this time of chronic food insecurity, it is critical that we increase access to foods that nourish and promote good health and well-being, particularly for our nation’s most vulnerable people. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are nutritional powerhouses, packing essential nutrients that promote healthy immune function, hydration, cognition, mental health, bone health, and lower risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. IDFA applauds Reps. Costa (CA-21) and Langworthy (NY-23) for their leadership on the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act of 2023, which would greatly improve access to these nutritious products for SNAP participants.” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President/CEO, International Dairy Foods Association.
“Dairy foods are nutrient powerhouses and serve as a cornerstone of healthy diets because of the uniquely dense nutritional package they provide. Unfortunately, nearly 90 percent of Americans do not meet their dairy intake recommendations. We thank Representatives Costa and Langworthy for introducing the bipartisan Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act, which would boost SNAP participants access to healthful dairy products at the grocery store. Ensuring access to nutritious food is a key priority for NMPF and our dairy farmer members, and we look forward to continuing to work with Representatives Costa and Langworthy on ways to improve nutrition and health for all Americans.” said Jim Mulhern, President/CEO of National Milk Producers Federation.
The Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) projects were established by the 2018 Farm Bill to promote milk as part of a healthy, balanced diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). However, the latest DGA report shows that over 90% of Americans do not consume enough dairy to meet daily nutrition requirements.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is collaborating with Auburn University's Hunger Solutions Institute and the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty to administer funding and create projects to incentivize SNAP recipients. These projects will run in six states and more than 150 retail outlets in 2023 – with the goal of establishing future projects in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.
The Dairy Incentives Program Act would expand the current Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program to include other products like cheese and yogurt. These changes would provide coupons or rebates to SNAP recipients to purchase cheese, yogurt, and other eligible dairy products. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) are leading the companion legislation in the Senate.
This legislation is endorsed by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), National Milk Producers Federation, and National Grocers Association (NGA).
Source: Congressman Jim Costa
