Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno) has introduced a bipartisan bill to expand access to dairy products for people who benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Along with Costa, the other authors of the bill – the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 – are Rep. Nick Langworthy (R–NY), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D–MN) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R–KS).
The big picture: The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program would expand the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program (HFMI) to include all milk, cheese and yogurt.
- The HFMI was established by the 2018 Farm Bill to promote milk as part of a healthy, balanced diet, with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans report revealing that over 90% of Americans do not consume enough dairy to meet daily nutrition requirements.
- The bill would provide SNAP recipients with a coupon for additional cheese or yogurt when they purchase those items.
- The International Dairy Foods Association, the National Milk Producers Federation and the National Grocers Association have endorsed the bill.
What they’re saying: “Dairy products play a vital role in a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients that support strong bones and healthy outcomes,” said Congressman Costa. “Tulare County is the top dairy-producing county in the nation and state, yet too many families struggle to access these essential products. This bill expands incentives to make dairy more accessible, supports our local farmers, and delivers comprehensive solutions to improve nutrition across the board.”
- Langworthy added, “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 across the country.”
