Fresh Produce for a Healthier America: Policy Recommendations

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IFPA’s Policy Recommendations to the MAHA Commission

IFPA’s policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission reinforce a commitment to reducing diet-related diseases and improving public health nationwide.

Embed Produce Prescriptions as a Covered Benefit within the Health System – IFPA advocates for incorporating produce prescriptions into federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to support diet-related disease prevention and reduce healthcare costs.
Enhance Nutrition Clarity in Food Labeling – IFPA calls on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate transparent labeling for food products claiming fruit and vegetable content, enabling consumers to make informed dietary choices.
Expand Financial Incentives for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases – IFPA proposes making fresh produce eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs), along with a federal tax credit for purchases that align with Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
Expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) – IFPA recommends extending FFVP access to all low-income elementary schools and eventually middle and high schools, helping students develop healthy eating habits early.
Modernize USDA Purchasing Programs – IFPA calls for recalibrating U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) procurement strategies to include a broader range of fresh produce and increase distribution to underserved communities through nonprofit organizations.
Increase Fruit and Vegetable Access for SNAP Recipients – Citing USDA research, IFPA suggests incentivizing produce purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help recipients meet dietary recommendations.
Enhance Data Collection for Federal Nutrition Programs – IFPA supports a systematic approach to track and analyze federal feeding and nutrition program data, ensuring alignment with public health goals.
Support Access to Safe Crop Protection Tools – IFPA urges the administration to strengthen product assessment and registration efforts within EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, ensuring fresh produce growers can access effective and safer technologies to protect crops against pests, weeds, and diseases.
Invest in Specialty Crop Research and Innovation – IFPA recommends fully funding agricultural research programs that drive innovation in specialty crop production, pest management, mechanization, and plant breeding.
Incentivize Regenerative Agriculture Practices – IFPA calls on policymakers to support voluntary, incentive-based programs that promote regenerative agriculture systems, enhancing soil health, biodiversity, water efficiency, and climate resilience while ensuring a stable, profitable, and sustainable fresh produce supply.

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Let's make America healthier, one plate at a time.

IFPA U.S. Government Relations Team

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Fresh Produce for a Healthier America

You can’t make America healthy again without fruits and vegetables.

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IFPA’s Policy Recommendations to the MAHA Commission

Key Resources

Let's make America healthier, one plate at a time.

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