Retailer expands program to improve access to healthy foods
Retail giant Meijer has announced that it will double the discount on milk for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participants, offering up to 40% off any brand or size of skim or nonfat milk. This effort is part of an ongoing initiative to expand access to healthy foods and beverages.
Since the implementation of the original discount in December, driven by USDA grants through Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute, more than 65,000 SNAP-eligible households have benefited. Meijer anticipates that the number of beneficiaries will increase with the increased discount.
Calli Schmid, Meijer’s vice president of grocery, said, «As a family-owned business, Meijer values its customers and their needs. That’s why we are pleased to collaborate with Auburn University to reduce the cost of milk for SNAP participants and help them get more value for their purchases. Milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and with a deeper discount, we can further increase our customers’ purchasing power.»
Meijer remains the largest Midwest retailer selected for the «Add Milk» initiative, part of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) projects established by the 2018 Farm Bill and funded by Congress to promote milk as part of a healthy diet. The discounts are applicable on both online and in-store purchases at all Meijer locations and will be in effect through the fall of 2026.
The announcement of the increased milk discount was celebrated by Meijer along with Senator Debbie Stabenow, representatives from the Michigan Milk Producers Association, the International Dairy Foods Association and Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute.
«Michigan has led the way in the fight to end hunger and expand access to healthy foods. Meijer is an innovative leader and an important partner in this fight,» said Senator Stabenow. «Today’s announcement expands on the successful Add Milk program Meijer introduced in December with the help of the Healthy Fluid Milk Initiative Program in the 2018 Farm Bill. Thanks to these efforts, more families will be able to stretch their budget and put healthy food on their table.»
Alicia Powers, CEO of Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute, noted, «Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute is pleased to partner with Meijer to expand Add Milk in its more than 500 stores. By self-funding a fruit and vegetable incentive program for SNAP customers and waiving shipping fees for SNAP customers online, Meijer upholds its commitment as a leader in addressing food and nutrition security. Through Add Milk, which provides 40% off skim milk and purchased with SNAP dollars, Meijer will extend its support to SNAP families by stretching their food budget.»
Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA, added, «Expanding the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive Projects means greater access to affordable and nutritious dairy products for the most vulnerable Americans. IDFA congratulates Meijer on the tremendous success of its SNAP milk discount to date, and we are pleased to see its impact grow as the discount doubles. In these times of high food costs and growing food insecurity, it is critical that we find ways to expand purchasing power even further by supporting the purchase of nutrient-rich foods.»
In addition to the 40% extended discount for SNAP participants, Meijer continues to offer delivery for SNAP customers and a 10% discount on qualifying produce purchases, thanks to a USDA waiver obtained in 2022. Recently, Meijer announced that it now accepts SNAP benefits on its app, providing a more convenient option for customers to pay for groceries, including fresh produce and milk.