IFPA submits updated policy recommendations to MAHA Commission

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2025 – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962 submitted updated policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, offering proven strategies to reduce diet-related diseases and improve public health nationwide. 

In the 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 outlined 10 evidence-based recommendations that prioritize fruit and vegetable consumption as the cornerstone of national health policy, building on recommendations submitted earlier this year. 

The MAHA Commission, established by a February executive order, is charged with addressing childhood chronic disease and is expected to release its second report by Aug. 12. 

“For too long, our nation has fallen short of consuming the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables, resulting in serious public health consequences,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns.

“We appreciate the Commission engaging farmers and produce leaders, as we’re uniquely positioned to help drive solutions. Proven programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the National School Lunch Program show that when access improves, consumption increases. Now is the time for a bold, coordinated strategy to put fruits and vegetables at the heart of our health policies — and IFPA is ready with actionable, evidence-based recommendations.” 

IFPA’s recommendations include:  

1. Embed Produce Prescriptions as a Covered Benefit within the Health System – IFPA advocates for incorporating produce prescriptions into federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to support diet-related disease prevention and reduce healthcare costs.  
2. Enhance Nutrition Clarity in Food Labeling – IFPA calls on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate transparent labeling for food products claiming fruit and vegetable content, enabling consumers to make informed dietary choices. 
3. 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). 
4. Expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) – IFPA recommends extending FFVP access to all elementary schools and eventually middle and high schools, helping students develop healthy eating habits early. 
5. Modernize USDA Purchasing Programs – IFPA calls for recalibrating U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) procurement strategies to include a broader range of fresh produce and increase distribution to underserved communities through nonprofit organizations. 
6. Increase Fruit and Vegetable Access for SNAP Recipients – Citing USDA research, IFPA suggests incentivizing produce purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help recipients meet dietary recommendations. 
7. Enhance Data Collection for Federal Nutrition Programs – IFPA supports a systematic approach to track and analyze federal feeding and nutrition program data, ensuring alignment with public health goals.  
8. Support Access to Safe Crop Protection Tools – IFPA urges the administration to strengthen product assessment and registration efforts within EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, ensuring fresh produce growers can access effective and safer technologies to protect crops against pests, weeds, and diseases. 
9. Invest in Specialty Crop Research and Innovation – IFPA recommends fully funding agricultural research programs that drive innovation in specialty crop production, pest management, mechanization, and plant breeding. 
10. Incentivize Regenerative Agriculture Practices – IFPA calls on policymakers to support voluntary, incentive-based programs that promote regenerative agriculture systems, enhancing soil health, biodiversity, water efficiency, and climate resilience while ensuring a stable, profitable, and sustainable fresh produce supply. 

IFPA remains committed to working with the administration, policymakers, and industry partners to advance these priorities, creating a healthier, more resilient future for all Americans. 

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

Contact: Sarah Gonzalez, sgonzalez@freshproduce.com, (202) 303-3411