Exclusive: America First Policy Institute Unveils Brief for Making America Healthy Again, Reforming Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs

Exclusive information obtained by Breitbart News revealed that the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) presented a concise document on Thursday proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the federal nutrition programs in the United States. The policy brief released by AFPI under its Farmers First Agenda and Healthy America initiative, titled “Driving Responsible Nutrition Policy,” aims to provide a roadmap for enhancing choice and promoting access to nutritious foods within federal food assistance programs.

The brief articulates key points of the AFPI Farmers First agenda, emphasizing the following:

– States should be empowered to encourage healthier dietary habits through federal programs.
– The federal government must ensure transparency in the domestic food supply chain and uphold nutritional standards.
– Federal nutrition programs should be targeted towards those genuinely in need and aim to restore the dignity of work.
– Collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to minimize food loss and waste.
– Advocacy for nutrition policies that bolster the domestic agriculture sector.

The overview of the brief highlights the disparity in life expectancy between the U.S. and other developed nations, attributing it to chronic diseases and health issues resulting from poor nutrition choices. The document stresses the urgency for a collaborative effort between federal and state governments to revamp nutrition policies, promoting healthier options, self-sufficiency, and reducing reliance on public assistance.

Sarah Frey, a senior adviser for rural policy at AFPI and the CEO of Frey Farms, emphasized the critical need for reform within federal nutrition programs and the broader food system. While acknowledging the initiatives undertaken during the Trump administration, such as the Farmers to Families Food Box program, which delivered millions of food boxes to Americans, Frey underscored the importance of addressing health challenges linked to dietary habits to alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.

The AFPI brief also highlighted the Trump administration’s efforts to enable states to restrict the purchase of unhealthy items through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and advocated for reforms in school feeding programs to promote healthier options. Additionally, the document called for improvements in the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) program to ensure food safety standards.

As part of the proposed solutions, AFPI suggested initiatives to reduce food waste, normalize the consumption of imperfect produce, and enhance food safety labeling practices. The organization also recommended exploring natural alternatives for food dyes in collaboration with fruit and vegetable producers as a step towards promoting healthier choices and supporting farmers.

In conclusion, the AFPI brief emphasized the importance of promoting responsible nutrition policies to address public health challenges, enhance food security, and support the agricultural sector.