Association sets recommendations to address diet-related chronic diseases for a healthier America

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The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has submitted policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, reinforcing its commitment to reducing diet-related diseases and improving public health nationwide.

In a letter addressed to health and human services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, White House domestic policy council executive director Vince Haley, and the MAHA Commission members, IFPA highlighted evidence-based solutions that prioritise fruit and vegetable consumption as essential to national health strategies.

Emphasising the urgency of addressing diet-related chronic diseases, IFPA noted that 90 per cent of Americans fail to meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake levels and called for a systemic approach to increase consumption and drive meaningful, lasting change.

“With current rates of chronic diet-related disease, we must act swiftly and decisively to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Our recommendations offer tangible, evidence-based solutions that will create a lasting impact on public health. We look forward to working with the MAHA Commission to turn these policy ideas into action.”

Key policy recommendations include:

  • · Embed produce prescriptions as a covered benefit within the health system – IFPA advocates for incorporating produce prescriptions into federal healthcare programmes, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to support diet-related disease prevention and reduce healthcare costs.
  • · Enhance nutrition clarity in food labelling – IFPA calls on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate transparent labelling 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 Programme (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.
  • · Modernise USDA purchasing programmes – IFPA calls for recalibrating US Department of Agriculture (USDA) procurement strategies to include a broader range of fresh produce and increase distribution to underserved communities through nonprofit organisations.
  • · Increase fruit and vegetable access for Snap recipients – Citing USDA research, IFPA suggests incentivising produce purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (Snap) to help recipients meet dietary recommendations.
  • · Enhance data collection for federal nutrition programmes – IFPA supports a systematic approach to track and analyse federal feeding and nutrition program data, ensuring alignment with public health goals.

IFPA said it is dedicated to working with the administration, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance these initiatives, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant future for all Americans.

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