IFPA Congratulates Secretary Kennedy, Emphasizes Fresh Produce as Key to Healthcare and Nutrition Policy

February 13, 2025

Washington, DC – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) congratulates Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). IFPA looks forward to working with Secretary Kennedy and HHS leadership to advance policies that expand access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables as a key strategy to improve public health.

“With diet-related diseases placing immense strain on our healthcare system, ensuring greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables must be a top national priority,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said. “We are eager to collaborate with HHS and FDA to integrate produce into healthcare, improve food labeling transparency, and expand financial incentives that encourage healthier eating.”

IFPA looks forward to working with HHS to prioritize the following initiatives:

Integrate Produce Prescriptions in Healthcare – Expanding produce prescriptions as a covered benefit in federal health programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and Indian Health Service can provide millions of Americans with better access to nutritious foods. HHS should ensure continued Medicaid 1115 waivers and prevent funding cuts that could hinder progress in addressing diet-related diseases.

Enhance Nutrition Clarity in Food Labeling – Consumers deserve clear and transparent food labeling to make informed dietary choices. The FDA should require food products making fruit and vegetable claims to disclose actual quantities per serving and mandate “contains no fruits and vegetables” labels for misleading products. Strengthening front-of-package nutrition labeling in 2025 will further help consumers identify healthier options.

Expand Financial Incentives for Fruits and Vegetables – Making fruits and vegetables eligible for purchase under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) would help increase consumption and reduce diet-related diseases. IFPA also supports the introduction of a federal tax credit for produce purchases that align with Dietary Guidelines. Federal investment in research is needed to assess the impact of these incentives on dietary habits.

IFPA stands ready to support Secretary Kennedy and HHS in advancing these critical initiatives that will improve public health and strengthen the fresh produce industry.

IFPA Congratulates Secretary Kennedy, Emphasizes Fresh Produce as Key to Healthcare and Nutrition Policy

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