Congressman John Moolenaar Honored with IDFA Leadership Award for Dairy Support

By Andi Anderson

Congressman John Moolenaar received the prestigious International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Leadership Award, an accolade bestowed annually upon federal lawmakers for their unwavering support of the U.S. dairy sector. The award ceremony took place on Capitol Hill during the Celebration of Dairy event on December 6.

IDFA's Associate Vice President of Communications, Andrew Jerome, highlighted Moolenaar as one of the two House of Representatives members honored with the award for 2023. He was commended for his pivotal role on the House Appropriations Committee, spearheading initiatives like the funding for the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects (HFMI). HFMI aims to enhance SNAP participants' access to milk and promote awareness of dairy nutrition.

The appropriations secured by the committee for HFMI are set to facilitate the program's expansion to 237 stores in Michigan and over 575 stores nationwide in the upcoming months, as detailed by IDFA.

Additionally, Moolenaar's contributions on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee were acknowledged. His oversight of USDA programs ensured continued access to dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt for school children participating in meal programs. He was also lauded for progress made in standards of identity modernization.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Congressman Moolenaar emphasized the significance of Michigan's dairy industry in the state's economy and the lives of its residents. He pledged continued support for policies benefiting dairy producers and facilitating market access for their products.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of IDFA, underscored the impact of dedicated public servants like Moolenaar in championing dairy's nutritional benefits and fostering growth opportunities. Dykes highlighted Moolenaar's efforts in supporting millions of jobs and the substantial economic impact of the dairy industry, which generates billions annually in direct wages and contributes significantly to the national economy.

Michigan, home to numerous dairy farms and processing plants, stands as a crucial hub in the dairy industry, housing a substantial dairy cow population and playing a pivotal role in global dairy product distribution.

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