USDA was in the news a lot today. Another story has to do with proposed cuts to the WIC program for dairy products. This has concerned the IDFA and NMPF. Since it’s only a proposal at this point there is a comment period open for the next 90 days.

“We’re disappointed that budgetary constraints are leading USDA to a decision to cut the amount of dairy foods available to some of our neediest Americans,” said NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak. “Even under the current program, many WIC participants do not get recommended levels of key nutrients that are easily included in the diet with milk and cheese products. Those levels would be further diminished under this proposal.”

“In its 2005 Dietary Guidelines, USDA recognized the need for women and children to get more calcium, potassium and magnesium in their diets; this proposal moves us in the opposite direction,” added IDFA President and CEO Connie Tipton. “There is a very real, negative nutritional effect that a reduction in dairy servings would have on program participants.”