Michael Dykes, D.V.M.

Washington, D.C.

Food policy works best when it supports farmers and helps families afford healthy food.

As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson is leading national efforts to do exactly that. His draft Farm Bill strengthens core dairy programs that provide stability and certainty to farmers and processors, while also building on the strong momentum behind SNAP dairy incentives that help low-income families purchase nutritious dairy products.

Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) Projects were authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill to test various ways to encourage SNAP participants to purchase low-fat (1%) and fat-free (skim) milk. These projects have helped hundreds of thousands of households stretch their SNAP benefits and put milk on the table. Chairman Thompson’s proposal expands HFMI to include additional nutritious dairy products such as whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk and cheese. These dairy foods provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D that support strong bones, healthy growth and long-term wellness.

As Congress continues work on the Farm Bill, there is an opportunity to build even further on the significant progress by expanding SNAP dairy incentives to include the full range of nutritious dairy products — including milk, cheese, yogurt and cultured dairy foods.

The U.S. dairy industry looks forward to continuing to work with Chairman Thompson to strengthen Farm Bill policies that help farmers thrive, keep dairy foods affordable for families and ensure central Pennsylvania remains at the heart of America’s agricultural success.

Michael Dykes is president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association.