WASHINGTON, March 8, 2024—The U.S. Congress this week passed fiscal year 2024 (FY2024) appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. The bill includes several provisions aimed at promoting dairy’s nutritional importance in the healthy diets of Americas, in particular an appropriation of $3 million for the expansion of Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive (HFMI) projects. Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today:

“The FY2024 funding bill passed this week is a win for the health and wellness of all Americans. Congress appropriated $3 million for the continued expansion of SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects to more stores in more regions of the country. HFMI doubles the purchasing power of SNAP participants by incentivizing the purchase of fluid milk, which they can use to purchase additional healthy dairy products, like yogurt and cheese. HFMI makes it easier for families to get more of the nutrition benefits they need while stretching their dollars further. Thanks to bipartisan support from Congress, HFMI will reach more than 700 retail outlets by the end of 2024, with more on the way thanks to this newest appropriation. This support by Congress demonstrates growing awareness among elected officials about the important role dairy plays in family health and nutrition especially among our most economically and nutritionally vulnerable families.

“The spending bill is also a major win for child nutrition as it protects nutritious milk and cheese options from being excluded from school meals programs, and a win for the 6 million mothers and young children who receive milk and dairy benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

“IDFA will continue to work with members in both chambers of Congress to ensure the dairy industry’s priorities are included in FY2025 appropriations bills.”

# # #

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

IDFA Media Contact

Andrew Jerome

Vice President, Communications