Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institution (HSI) has set in motion a new healthy fluid milk incentives initiative. The Add Milk! program aims to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants save money while making healthy choices at the grocery store.
Outreach Project Coordinator for Auburn University’s HSI Kara Newby described the program as a win-win-win.
“It is a win for dairy producers obviously because we’re getting more milk out the door,” Newby explained. “It’s a win for customers because it’s an economic benefit to them, especially right now during a time when food prices have increased and it’s harder to put as much food on the table. And then, it’s a win for the local economy, especially for the retailers who are participating in the program.”
While just a pilot program for now, access to the initiative will be available at more than 116 retail locations across Alabama, California, Georgia, and South Dakota.
Newby explained that they’re just in the beginning stages, and went on to say that if they see success in the program, they hope to expand its reach to additional states.
The project was made possible by a nearly $3 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cooperative agreement, which was awarded in October of 2022. HSI was the only entity in the nation to receive a 2022 Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives agreement.
