(NewsInsights.org) – Calcium is an important supplement that helps build and maintain strong bones. The heart, nerves, and muscles rely on the mineral to function properly. Most people, including children, get it from dairy products. Like other groceries, the price of milk and other dairy products has escalated over the past few years. A final rule change in April significantly reduced the amount of milk available to families on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying to reverse that.
On June 26, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) announced that she, along with Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), introduced a bill. The Protecting Mothers and Infants Access to Milk Act seeks to “return the maximum monthly allowance of milk available” to its “previous levels.” She noted that the reduction in the WIC program would “have unintended and significant negative effects” on the participating families.
Stefanik pointed to the ever-increasing prices of milk and dairy products, and how the rule change would negatively impact people already struggling to buy groceries. Van Orden took the time to explain his own unique situation. While he was serving the country as a Navy SEAL, his wife used the program to feed their children because his salary couldn’t fully support a family.
The legislation would return the maximum allowances to between 16 to 24 quarts of milk per month, depending on the food package program participants qualify for.
Several organizations have thrown their support behind the legislation, including the Northeast Dairy Producers Association and Northeast Dairy Farmers Cooperatives. Both have applauded the work the legislators are doing to increase access to milk, which contains 13 essential nutrients that children and adults alike need to thrive.
Stefanik has long been a champion for maintaining the monthly amounts. Last year, she wrote a letter to the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, asking him to oppose the proposed rule.
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