Dairy groups decry wic rule’s dairy cuts amid nutritional concerns

USAgNet - 04/10/2024

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) have voiced their disappointment with the final updates to the WIC program, which have led to reduced dairy provisions. Dairy products, crucial for delivering key nutrients, have seen their allotments cut in the latest WIC rule, a move that contradicts the program’s aim to ensure equitable access to nutritious foods for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children.

Dairy items, notably milk, cheese, and yogurt, rank among the top redeemed foods through WIC, offering vital nutrients identified as of public health concern. The dairy industry leaders are particularly troubled by these reductions at a time when food costs are surging, emphasizing the need for a broad spectrum of healthy, affordable food options, including dairy.

Despite the disappointment, NMPF and IDFA acknowledged the rule’s efforts to make dairy more accessible through lactose-free options and varied product package sizes. These changes are seen as steps towards accommodating the dietary needs of all WIC participants. However, the reduction in the milk purchase limit—up to 3 gallons less per family each month—is highlighted as a significant setback for nutrition security, especially against the backdrop of high food inflation and increasing hunger rates.

Both organizations have conducted surveys among WIC participants, revealing concerns about the necessity to allocate non-WIC funds for dairy purchases and potential challenges in dairy shopping due to these cuts. The dairy industry calls for collaboration with USDA to encourage states to maximize the rule’s provisions that enhance yogurt and cheese options, aiming to soften the impact of milk benefit reductions.

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