Integrating Produce Prescriptions, Enhanced Food Labeling, and Expanded Nutrition Programs to Combat Diet-Related Diseases Nationwide

In Washington on March 31, 2025, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) formally submitted a set of policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, aiming to address the nation’s growing diet-related health issues.

The proposal, delivered in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House Domestic Policy Council Executive Director Vince Haley, and MAHA Commission members, outlines a comprehensive strategy to improve public health by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption an effort that comes as research indicates that 90 percent of Americans currently fall short of the recommended daily intake of these vital food groups.

The policy recommendations are designed to tackle chronic diet-related diseases through a systemic overhaul of existing public health and nutritional programs.

IFPA advocates for embedding produce prescriptions into federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This proposal is intended to support the prevention of diet-related illnesses and reduce long-term healthcare expenditures by incentivizing healthier eating habits.

In addition, IFPA calls on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate clearer labeling of food products that claim to contain fruits and vegetables, thereby empowering consumers with accurate information to make healthier dietary choices.

Further measures include expanding financial incentives that make fresh produce more affordable and accessible.

IFPA suggests that fresh produce should be made eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs), accompanied by a federal tax credit for purchases that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

These initiatives are expected to drive consumer behavior towards healthier options while simultaneously alleviating the burden of chronic disease management.

The recommendations also propose a significant expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), extending its reach to all low-income elementary schools and eventually to middle and high schools.

This approach aims to establish healthy eating habits early in life, potentially curbing the future prevalence of diet-related conditions.

In addition to these initiatives, IFPA is urging a modernization of USDA purchasing programs.

The updated strategy would involve recalibrating procurement efforts to include a broader array of fresh produce and increase its distribution to underserved communities through nonprofit organizations.

Such a shift in policy would not only enhance the availability of nutritious foods but also help bridge the nutritional gap for disadvantaged populations.

Moreover, the association recommends increasing access to fruits and vegetables for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by incentivizing produce purchases, drawing on USDA research to back this strategic move.

IFPA further emphasizes the importance of enhancing data collection for federal nutrition programs.

By adopting a systematic approach to tracking and analyzing feeding and nutrition program data, policymakers can better align these programs with the overarching goals of improving public health and reducing chronic diseases.

This data-driven strategy is intended to foster transparency and accountability in the implementation of health initiatives nationwide.

“With current rates of chronic diet-related disease, we must act swiftly and decisively to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide. 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.”

Cathy Burns, IFPA CEO

These remarks underscore the urgency of the situation and the critical role that IFPA’s policy proposals are expected to play in reshaping the national approach to nutrition and health.

The initiative by IFPA represents a strategic effort to integrate health, nutrition, and economic incentives into a unified policy framework aimed at curbing the long-term impacts of poor dietary habits.

By targeting multiple facets of the food system from healthcare benefits and food labeling to school nutrition programs and federal procurement strategies IFPA seeks to create a ripple effect that will benefit millions of Americans.

The proposed changes are not merely adjustments to existing programs but are instead bold steps towards establishing a healthier, more sustainable future for the nation.