Schweitzer: New dietary guidelines out of reach due to nutrition programs cuts

An emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods in the USDA’s and HHS’ newly released dietary guidelines is a welcome change, but last year’s deep cuts to nutrition programs mean families will struggle to access the nutritious food outlined in the document, said Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer.

“Until nutrition programs like SNAP and Local Food for Schools are adequately funded, the new guidelines are just a lot of talk that don’t put food on kitchen and school cafeteria tables. Without adequate funding for nutrition programs, families face limited access to many of the guidelines’ suggested foods,” Schweitzer said.

Cuts of $187 billion over the next decade to SNAP will increase poverty and hunger, while the more than $1 billion cut from programs like the Local Food for Schools and local food purchase assistance hampers schools and food banks’ ability to purchase fresh, local produce. Other cuts to programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program mean less food for food pantries. Nutrition education programs also have undergone cuts that mean reduced access to cooking, gardening, and healthy eating programs.

“Restoring funding for programs like SNAP, school meals and local food, food banks, and nutrition education with an emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods would truly make Americans healthier and positively impact everyone in our local communities,” Schweitzer said.