by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

On May 19, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced “a $7.5 million investment” that would redirect “surplus protein to families in need.” The same press release announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  “will provide up to $7.5 million to help eligible nonprofit organizations safely distribute nutrient-dense proteins such as meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy to Americans in need.”

In addition to wondering what is meant by “surplus protein,” and “families in need” [do you have to be a family to need food?] I had other questions about this program.

1. Why the emphasis on protein? What is the evidence that Americans don’t get enough protein? The comprehensive Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (1) states that “across the lifespan … intakes of … total Protein Foods and Meat, Poultry, and Eggs are generally at or above current recommendations.”
2. Why the focus on animal-based protein, something that Americans are not lacking in? While most people get enough protein, their intakes of Vegetables (a group that includes dried beans), Nuts, Seeds, and Soy Products are generally lower than recommended (1).
3. What are the health implications of increasing intake of meat, eggs, and dairy product? These are foods that are high in saturated fat which has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes (2). Health care costs in the United States are already astronomical. Why are foods being promoted that increase the risk of chronic disease?
4. What are the environmental costs of promoting a greater intake of animal products?
5. If protein is a concern, why not support increased provision of dried and canned beans, products that have been associated with health benefits (3)?
6. What about perishability? Food banks may have limited refrigerator and freezer space to keep perishable foods refrigerated or frozen leading to food safety concerns. Lower-income consumers may be unhoused or, for other reasons, have limited ability to safely store and cook fresh meat, seafood, dairy products, and eggs.

And then there’s the recent news that the 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Bill (HR 8646) provides reduced funding for WIC, including less funding for WIC’s fruit and vegetable benefit. Why are funds being cut for a food group that Americans truly don’t eat enough of?

References:

1. 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/2025-advisory-committee-report. 2025.
2. Mangels R. The Latest on Saturated Fat. Vegetarian Journal. 2022; issue 2. https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue2/2022_issue2_nutrition_hotline.php
3. Mangels R. What are Beans, Legumes, and Pulses? Vegetarian Journal. 2022; issue 4. https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue4/2022_issue4_nutrition_hotline.php.