Pocan Introduces Farmer’s MILK Act

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), today introduced the Farmer’s Milk in Low-Income Kitchens (MILK) Act which would expand the existing USDA Milk Donation program to help get milk into the hands of the food insecure. The bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to act as a matchmaker between dairy producers with excess supply of milk with food banks that can distribute that milk to those in need. It also authorizes an additional $4 million a year for the program.

After suffering years of low milk prices and reeling from the effects of President Trump’s disastrous trade war, dairy farmers nationwide are now feeling the strain of the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis has disrupted supply chains and decreased demand for dairy products. As a result, dairy farmers have been forced to dispose of millions of gallons of milk per day because there is nowhere for it to go.

“Since the beginning of the Trump administration, Wisconsin alone has lost over 1900 dairy farms, and if we don’t act quickly, this pandemic will further devastate our farmers,” said Congressman Mark Pocan. “Families across the country are unable to put food on the table and food banks are suffering shortages. We should be pairing up every dairy producer with excess supply with these food banks to feed families in need. No dairy farmer wants to throw away of milk, and this bill will make it easier for that excess milk to help those who are feeling the economic pain of this pandemic.”

The USDA’s current Milk Donation program requires dairy farmers to seek out food banks and apply for reimbursements to cover expenses. The Farmer’s MILK Act would give the USDA authority to pair up dairy producers that have excess supply with food banks in need. The current program is authorized at a yearly budget of $5 million, but this bill would almost double that to fund and expand the program at $9 million annually.

“Dairy farmers have faced significant headwinds due to a collapse in demand wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Americans from all walks of life are enduring massive economic pain,” said Jim Mulhern, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “Dairy farmers and their cooperatives want to do everything possible to maximize the potential of milk donation and provide much-needed assistance to food insecure populations. We thank Rep. Pocan for authoring legislation to enhance this potential at a time when it is critical.”

“The Farmer’s MILK Act would equip USDA with the authorization and funding to connect millions of newly food insecure Americans with the excess milk we have on our hands as a result of the loss of major foodservice markets for U.S. dairy products,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “IDFA applauds Representative Pocan’s and other co-sponsors’ efforts to support the American dairy industry and provide Americans struggling with food insecurity with fresh, nutritious dairy products during this difficult period.”

The bipartisan bill was endorsed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the International Dairy Foods Association, and the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Craig (MN), Fudge (OH), Hayes (CT), Jackson Lee (TX), Kind (WI), Kuster (NH), Lowenthal (CA), Moore (WI), Morelle (NY), Pingree (ME), Stefanik (NY), Mike Thompson (CA), Welch (VT)

See the text of bill here.