SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A new initiative called “Add Milk!” is extending support to low-income families in California by providing a dollar-for-dollar match for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants who purchase nutrient-rich, non-fat, and low-fat (1%) milk products, including lactose-free options.
The launch event for the Add Milk! program took place at Mother’s Nutritional Center in San Bernardino, Calif., marking its expansion to 78 participating grocery stores across Southern California. Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33) attended the event.
This initiative, made possible through a $3 million cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI), aims to promote the consumption of milk as part of a healthy diet, in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The program addresses the decline in milk consumption among Americans and its potential health impacts, especially among younger generations.
How the Program Works:
– SNAP participants using CalFresh EBT receive a dollar-for-dollar match for purchasing non-fat and low-fat (1%) milk products, including lactose-free options.
– Participants can earn up to $10 in rewards per transaction, which can be used for any CalFresh EBT eligible item.
Richard Flores, president of Mother’s Nutritional Center, expressed enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its benefits for customers by making healthy milk more affordable and encouraging healthier food choices for families.
Congress recently allocated an additional $3 million to expand the program to more stores and locations across the country, further supporting the initiative’s goal of promoting healthy eating among SNAP participants.
Representatives from Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute and the International Dairy Foods Association also expressed their support for the program, emphasizing its role in providing access to nutritious dairy products for vulnerable communities.
The Add Milk! program represents a collaborative effort between government agencies, educational institutions, retailers, and dairy industry stakeholders to address food insecurity and promote healthier eating habits among low-income families.
