US policy push: Fresh produce and dairy incentives target better SNAP nutrition

US food organizations are pushing for policies to make foods deemed healthier accessible to low-income populations. The dairy industry backs affordable milk consumption, but physicians worry that profits are being prioritized. Meanwhile, fresh produce’s role in tackling diseases is under the spotlight. 

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) stresses the link between nutrition and public health in its recommendations submitted to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. 

“With current rates of chronic diet-related disease, we must act swiftly and decisively to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide,” asserts IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Our recommendations offer tangible, evidence-based solutions that will create a lasting impact on public health. We look forward to working with the MAHA Commission to turn these policy ideas into action.”

At the same time, the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 is gaining bipartisan support and could help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants afford more dairy products. Backed by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the incentive encourages healthier eating via coupons, discounts, gift cards, or bonus food items.

Fruits and veggies in policy focus

IFPA underscores the value of reducing diet-related diseases in improving public health in a public letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House Domestic Policy Council Executive Director Vince Haley, and the MAHA Commission members. 

The recommendations include increasing fruit and vegetable access for SNAP recipients, expanding financial incentives for fruit and vegetable purchases, and expanding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. 

IFPA flags that 90% of Americans fail to meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake levels.

IFPA further urges modernizing US Department of Agriculture purchasing programs, incorporating produce prescriptions into federal healthcare programs, enhancing nutrition clarity in food labeling, and enhancing data collection for federal nutrition programs.

The MAHA Commission, established by an executive order from US President Trump, has faced criticism following its closed-door inaugural meeting on March 11, which contradicts the transparency promised by the commission’s founding directive. 

IFPA recommends increasing fruit and vegetable access for SNAP recipients, expanding financial incentives for fruit and vegetable purchases, and expanding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.According to experts from the O’Neill Institute and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the commission appears to focus on promoting unscientific policies and casting doubt on established scientific knowledge rather than addressing the root causes of chronic diseases like those caused by added sugars, sodium, alcohol, and tobacco.

Dairy legislation 

IDFA says the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 addresses the dairy consumption gap according to federal dietary guidelines. It believes the program will help expand the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive (HFMI) projects, which have already helped over 340,000 individuals enrolled in SNAP buy low-fat and nonfat milk.

Conversely, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has denounced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act — a bill revising the requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture — saying it prioritizes dairy industry profits over children’s health.

The committee argues that the bill aims to improve dairy industry sales, but fails to address barriers to providing non-dairy substitutes, such as non-dairy milk. 

It cites research showing that children are increasingly facing heart disease and high cholesterol, so whole-fat milk will worsen health issues. The Physicians Committee believes that healthier school meals and non-dairy alternatives are more effective.

Focus on dairy

According to IDFA, 90% of Americans also do not consume enough milk and other nutritious dairy products.

According to IDFA, 90% of Americans also do not consume enough milk and other nutritious dairy products.“A SNAP dairy incentive program is a reliable investment in improving our nation’s health and reducing hunger and chronic food insecurity among low-income Americans,” comments Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the IDFA. 

“Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are nutritional powerhouses that promote healthy immune function, hydration, bone health, and lower risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”

“IDFA applauds US Senators Klobuchar and Marshall, and US Representatives Costa and Langworthy, for their leadership on the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025, which would help our nation’s most vulnerable people afford wholesome, nutrient-dense dairy products for their families.”

The National Milk Producers Federation commends representatives for their bipartisan Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act, which expands access to healthy dairy products. “We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors and ensuring all Americans have access to healthy dairy products.”

Jennifer Hatcher, chief public policy officer and SVP, membership of The Food Industry Association, adds: “By building on existing milk-purchase incentives, this bill empowers retailers to help low-income households incorporate a variety of dairy options — milk, cheese, and yogurt — into a healthy eating pattern alongside fruits and vegetables.”

Stephanie Johnson, VP for government affairs at the National Grocers Association, emphasized the effectiveness of SNAP incentive programs in promoting healthier food options — dairy, fruits, and vegetables — for families.

IDF notes that SNAP is the nation’s most effective food security program. It supports 40 million Americans, primarily seniors, disabled people, and families, by directly supporting dairy farms and processed food purchases.

SNAP at risk

At the Food is Medicine Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, US, the FIM Institute and stakeholders met with members of Congress to help advance the movement. The institute told Nutrition Insight there is a public demand for food and nutrition-based interventions, encouraging policymakers and healthcare providers to expand their implementation.

Over 1,800 organizations across US states have urged the House and Senate to protect SNAP, warning that program cuts enable tax relief for the wealthy and large corporations.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest previously told us millions of people will probably turn to food banks and pantries, which cannot handle the demand as seen during COVID-19.