GIVE MILK Act

Supported the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (H.R. 8467). Supported efforts to update the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation to make it more reflective of current on-farm milk production. This fix was included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 as well as in both of the Senate Democratic and Republican farm bill frameworks. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's final WIC foods package rule which will reduce dairy in WIC ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published April 18, 2024). NMPF supports the bipartisan Protecting Mothers and Infants' Access to Milk Act (H.R. 8850) to undo this reduction long-term. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474, H.R. 5099) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans rely on sound science. Opposed efforts to limit food choice under SNAP. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs. Supported the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 9889) to provide agricultural disaster assistance to producers impacted by 2023 natural disasters.

Client expense: $449,568 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. - S.3693/H.R.7130, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - S.3584/H.R.6945, the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) - Certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. - S.3693/H.R.7130, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - S.3584/H.R.6945, the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) - Certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Supported the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (H.R. 8467). Supported efforts to update the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation to make it more reflective of current on-farm milk production. This fix was included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 as well as in both of the Senate Democratic and Republican farm bill frameworks. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's final WIC foods package rule which will reduce dairy in WIC ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published April 18, 2024). NMPF supports the bipartisan Protecting Mothers and Infants' Access to Milk Act (H.R. 8850) to undo this reduction long-term. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474, H.R. 5099) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans rely on sound science. Opposed efforts to limit food choice under SNAP. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs. Supported the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 9889) to provide agricultural disaster assistance to producers impacted by 2023 natural disasters.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. - S.3693/H.R.7130, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - S.3584/H.R.6945, the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) - Certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Supported the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (H.R. 8467). Supported efforts to update the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation to make it more reflective of current on-farm milk production. This fix was included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 as well as in both of the Senate Democratic and Republican farm bill frameworks. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and preventing sodium limitations from inadvertently leading to the reduction/removal of cheese from school breakfast and lunch programs. These efforts on school meal standards include advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131, H.R. 4366) to protect 1% flavored milk and cheese in school meal programs. NMPF also advocated for a final FNS rule (for school years 2024-2025 and beyond) that will continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and weight natural occurring sodium and sodium used for functional and food safety purposes when imposing sodium limitations less than sodium used for taste purposes only, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to raise concerns that provisions in FNS's proposed rule ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023) that would likely reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's final WIC foods package rule which will reduce dairy in WIC ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published April 18, 2024). NMPF also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program. NMPF supports the bipartisan Protecting Mothers and Infants' Access to Milk Act (H.R. 8850) to undo this reduction long-term. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474, H.R. 5099) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans rely on sound science. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Supported tweaks to the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation. Supported incorporating the Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage program into the underlying Dairy Margin Coverage program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and preventing sodium limitations from inadvertently leading to the reduction/removal of cheese from school breakfast and lunch programs. These efforts on school meal standards include advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131, H.R. 4366) to protect 1% flavored milk and cheese in school meal programs. NMPF also advocated for a final FNS rule (for school years 2024-2025 and beyond) that will continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and weight natural occurring sodium and sodium used for functional and food safety purposes when imposing sodium limitations less than sodium used for taste purposes only, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to raise concerns that provisions in FNS's proposed rule ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023) that would likely reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's proposed rule which will reduce dairy in WIC if retained in the final rule ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published November 21,2022). NMPF also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474, H.R. 5099) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated for reallocating funds from the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program to the Dairy Donation Program, given the Dairy Donation Program was more widely used and supports the donation of a wider variety of dairy foods. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster. NMPF provides ongoing support for the WHIP-Milk Loss program and making dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. NMPF also supports similar efforts to extend government funding for disaster recovery as well as explore new ways to provide disaster aid to dairy farmers, including for farmers experiencing flood conditions. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. - S.3693/H.R.7130, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - S.3584/H.R.6945, the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) - Certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). This bill would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's advocacy email to their legislator asking them to vote yay for the H.R.1147 floor vote on 12/13. Sent thank you letters from President Hoffman to PA House Members who voted yay in H.R. 1147's floor vote on 12/13. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. Opposed to FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13). This bill would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. Opposed certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001). Discussed with Sen. Fetterman's office about when Consistent Egg Labels Act would be introduced. This bill would enforce a standard of identity for eggs.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Supported tweaks to the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation. Supported incorporating the Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage program into the underlying Dairy Margin Coverage program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and preventing sodium limitations from inadvertently leading to the reduction/removal of cheese from school breakfast and lunch programs. These efforts on school meal standards include advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) to protect 1% flavored milk and cheese in school meal programs. NMPF also advocated for a final FNS rule (for school years 2024-2025 and beyond) that will continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and weight natural occurring sodium and sodium used for functional and food safety purposes when imposing sodium limitations less than sodium used for taste purposes only, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to raise concerns that provisions in FNS's proposed rule ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023) that would likely reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's proposed rule which will reduce dairy in WIC if retained in the final rule ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published November 21,2022). NMPF also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated for reallocating funds from the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program to the Dairy Donation Program, given the Dairy Donation Program was more widely used and supports the donation of a wider variety of dairy foods. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster. NMPF provides ongoing support for the WHIP-Milk Loss program and making dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. NMPF also supports similar efforts to extend government funding for disaster recovery as well as explore new ways to provide disaster aid to dairy farmers, including for farmers experiencing flood conditions. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs.

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). This bill would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's H.R.1147 and S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy email to send to their legislator asking them for support. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. Opposed to FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13). This bill would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Opposed certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001). Discussed with Sen. Fetterman's office about when Consistent Egg Labels Act would be introduced. This bill would enforce a standard of identity for eggs.

Client expense: $20,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Supported tweaks to the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and preventing sodium limitations from inadvertently leading to the reduction/removal of cheese from school breakfast and lunch programs. These efforts on school meal standards include advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) to protect 1% flavored milk and cheese in school meal programs. NMPF also advocated for a final FNS rule (for school years 2024-2025 and beyond) that will continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and weight natural occurring sodium and sodium used for functional and food safety purposes when imposing sodium limitations less than sodium used for taste purposes only, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to raise concerns that provisions in FNS's proposed rule ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023) that would likely reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's proposed rule which will reduce dairy in WIC if retained in the final rule ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published November 21,2022). NMPF also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster. NMPF provides ongoing support for the WHIP-Milk Loss program and making dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. NMPF also supports similar efforts to extend government funding for disaster recovery as well as explore new ways to provide disaster aid to dairy farmers, including for farmers experiencing flood conditions. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs.