This month, the White House will convene a special conference on hunger, nutrition, and health. In advance of this once-in-a-generation meeting, our organization joined a number of national agricultural, anti-hunger, nutrition and medical groups to urge the White House to place a high priority on improving access to affordable, diverse and nutritious foods for everyone, including urban, suburban, rural and tribal communities. Our goal is not only to end hunger and malnutrition, but to also improve health outcomes and reduce chronic disease by making it easier for consumers to eat healthy and affordable food.
Dairy should play an important role in this effort. Among consumers, dairy products are valued for their relative affordability, nutrient density, nourishing qualities, diverse and flexible product offerings, and wide availability across cultures, regions, and income levels. In fact, no other type of food or beverage provides the unique combination of nutrients that dairy contributes to the American diet.