U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act, bipartisan legislation to increase access to dairy products for SNAP participants and support dairy farmers across the country. The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act would allow SNAP participants to purchase more milk, cheese, and yogurt with their benefits, expanding access to affordable and nutritious options. Companion legislation is led in the House by Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA) and Nick Langworthy (R-NY).
“Making sure more Americans have better access to food like yogurt and cheese while supporting our dairy farmers is a win-win,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will support healthy diets, make sure families are able to bring home more of the foods they love, and help dairy farmers feed Americans.”
“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 Marshall. “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.”
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
The latest federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans report showed that more than 90% of Americans do not consume enough dairy products to meet daily nutrition requirements. The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act would increase access to dairy products by expanding the existing Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program to include products like 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, National Milk Producers Federation, FMI – The Food Industry Association, National Grocers Association, Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute, Associated Milk Producers Inc., Dairy Institute of California, Northeast Dairy Foods & Suppliers Associations, Dairy Products Institute of Texas, and Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.
“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,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “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 Incentive 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.”
“FMI – The Food Industry Association supports the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act as a way to expand access to nutrient-rich dairy products within SNAP,” said Jennifer Hatcher, chief public policy officer and senior vice president, membership of FMI – The Food Industry Association. “By building on existing milk-purchase incentives, this bill empowers retailers to help low-income households incorporate a variety of dairy options – milk, cheese, and yogurt – into a healthy eating pattern alongside fruits and vegetables.”
“SNAP incentive programs for nutritious foods—like dairy, fruits, and vegetables—help families access healthier options while also strengthening independent grocers’ ability to promote better nutrition,” said Stephanie Johnson, group vice president for government affairs at the National Grocers Association. “NGA strongly supports the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program, which expands SNAP incentives to include more milk varieties, yogurt, and cheese. This not only provides SNAP participants with greater access to nutritious dairy products but also simplifies the process for independent grocers to offer these benefits in their communities.”
“SNAP incentives serve a critical role in promoting healthy choices among SNAP participants,” said Alicia Powers, PhD, managing director of Hunger Solutions Institute, Auburn University. “The current Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive program has taken off in the past year, reaching more than 600 retail outlets and supporting an average 27,000 SNAP households each month. Hunger Solutions Institute is well positioned to expand the program to additional nutrient-dense dairy products that SNAP participants prefer to purchase for their families.”
“The Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act will help increase access to nutritious dairy products among SNAP participants and reinforce the essential role dairy plays in a healthy diet,” said Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) President and CEO Sheryl Meshke. “We are grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Marshall for championing this important legislation.”
