WASHINGTON – The following is a statement from Geoff Horsfield, the Environmental Working Group’s government affairs manager, on expansion of dietary choices for service members in the draft 2023 Department of Defense spending bills:
EWG welcomes language accompanying the FY23 Defense spending bills that expands dietary choices for service members, and thanks the House and Senate Defense Appropriations subcommittees for making this a priority.
By expanding plant-based food choices within the military and better aligning food choices with the Federal Food Service Guidelines, the Department of Defense can improve readiness and support American farmers and companies, while allowing service members to reduce risks from chronic diseases such as heart disease.
EWG urges the Biden administration and the Department of Defense to swiftly carry out this plan to make a plant-based entrée option available everywhere the federal government serves a meal.
More is needed to further support American plant-based companies and production, but EWG is grateful Congress continues to recognize that providing a vegetarian or plant-based entrée option will improve personal health and quality of life.
We look forward to working with the Department of Defense and the Biden administration to ensure the implementation of these and other reforms encouraging healthy dietary choices.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
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