WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move to bolster the dairy industry and improve nutritional access for low-income families, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has thrown his support behind two pivotal bipartisan bills: the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act and the DAIRY PRIDE Act. These legislative initiatives are designed to enhance Pennsylvania’s dairy sector while promoting the consumption of nutrient-rich dairy products among families reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act aims to extend the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program by including a broader range of dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. This bill mandates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to devise strategies for increasing dairy consumption and provides grants to states and nonprofit organizations to facilitate access to these products. Senator Casey, emphasizing the dual economic and nutritional benefits, stated, “From boosting our economy to feeding our families, Pennsylvania dairy farmers keep the Commonwealth going.”
Complementing this, the DAIRY PRIDE Act seeks to ensure transparency in dairy product labeling. By requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop new guidelines, the act intends to eliminate confusion over dairy and nondairy products, ensuring consumers have clear information about nutritional content. This initiative will prevent the mislabeling of products with dairy terms when they lack genuine dairy ingredients and mandates FDA updates to Congress regarding enforcement efforts.
These bills, supported by a robust coalition of senators from both parties, signify a concerted effort to safeguard the integrity of dairy labeling while reinforcing the importance of dairy in a balanced diet. Senator Casey’s advocacy targets both agricultural sustainability and public health, strengthening the critical role of dairy farmers in Pennsylvania’s economy and the nation’s food security.
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