U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Nick Langworthy (NY-23), along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025, bicameral, bipartisan legislation to expand dairy access for SNAP/food stamps recipients while supporting local farmers.
“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.”
“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,” said Congressman Langworthy (NY-23).
“As a doctor who practiced medicine for more than 25 years, I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking whole milk, which serves as an excellent source of critical nutrients and contributes to a healthier cardiovascular system,” said Senator Marshall (R-KS). “The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 is a no-brainer and would provide common-sense updates to increase incentives for dairy purchases in SNAP – ensuring all American families can benefit from this superfood.”
“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,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “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 U.S. Sens. Klobuchar and Marshall, and U.S. Reps. 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.”
“Dairy foods provide critical nutrients for healthy lives, but nearly 90 percent of Americans don’t meet dairy intake recommendations. We commend Representatives Jim Costa, D-CA, and Nick Langworthy, R-NY, and Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Roger Marshall, R-KS, for their bipartisan Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act, which would expand SNAP participant access to healthful dairy products at the grocery store. We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors and ensuring all Americans have access to healthy dairy products.” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
BACKGROUND
The Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive 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). The latest DGA report shows that over 90% of Americans do not consume enough dairy to meet daily nutrition requirements.
The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act would expand the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program (HFMI) to include all milk varieties, cheese, and yogurt. Under this plan, SNAP participants would receive a coupon for additional cheese or yogurt when they purchase these items with their groceries.
This legislation is endorsed by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and the National Grocers Association (NGA).