SNAP Dairy Incentive Plan Gains Momentum

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Boost Dairy Access for SNAP Participants

A new bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House and Senate seeks to expand dairy access for families in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 provides a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP purchases of milk, cheese, yogurt, and cultured dairy products.

This effort builds on the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive (HFMI) projects, first created in the 2018 Farm Bill. While HFMI currently supports low-fat and non-fat milk incentives, the new act expands the scope to include whole and reduced-fat milk and a wider range of dairy foods.

So far, HFMI has helped more than 340,000 SNAP participants improve nutrition by making milk more affordable. With this expansion, families will have even greater access to healthy dairy products, which offer key nutrients for strong bones, immune support, and disease prevention.

“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, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association.

Supporters of the act include multiple food and farm organizations, such as the National Milk Producers Federation, Food Industry Association, and the National Grocers Association. They believe the act will benefit public health while strengthening rural economies.

SNAP serves nearly 40 million Americans, many of whom are seniors, children, or people with disabilities. Each dairy purchase supports American farmers and local processors, making the program valuable both nutritionally and economically.

The act also aims to increase funding for HFMI, which is expected to reach over 1,100 retail outlets in 32 states by the end of 2025.