Food Systems for the Future Institute and Midwest Dairy to Release Research on Dairy Purchasing Among Low-Income Consumers
September 18 report launch and workshop in Minneapolis will convene leaders across food retail, public health, food systems, research, and policy to examine what drives dairy purchasing decisions and opportunities for action.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — August 17, 2026 — Food Systems for the Future Institute (FSFI) and Midwest Dairy will convene food system leaders in Minneapolis on Friday, September 18, for the release of research examining dairy demand and purchasing decisions among low-income consumers across Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota.
The Report Launch & Workshop: Insights into Dairy Demand and Purchasing Decisions among Low-Income Consumers in the Midwest will take place at Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast and bring together leaders from food retail, public health, extension, food supply, research, policy, and community-based organizations to examine the findings and discuss how they can inform future programs, partnerships, and policy.
Registration is complimentary and required.
The research examines the factors that influence how and why low-income consumers purchase dairy products. Drawing on consumer interviews, a review of existing literature, and interviews with key informants, the report provides insights into the motivations, barriers, and everyday experiences that shape purchasing behavior.
The findings come at a time when diet-related chronic diseases continue to place a significant burden on public health and many low-income households face challenges accessing affordable, nutritious foods. While nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC can help address affordability, understanding the broader factors that influence what consumers ultimately purchase is critical to developing effective food-access strategies.
“What families put in their grocery carts is shaped by far more than price,” said Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, Founder and CEO of Food Systems for the Future Institute. “If we want to improve access to nutritious foods, we have to understand the real-world choices, barriers, and tradeoffs families face every day. This research allows us to move beyond assumptions and use evidence to design programs, policies and partnerships that better respond to how people actually shop and live.”
For Midwest Dairy, the research provides an opportunity to better understand consumers’ experiences and identify ways stakeholders across the food system can respond to their needs.
“Understanding consumers is essential to understanding the future of dairy,” said Lela Fausze, Vice President, Trust Partnerships at Midwest Dairy. “This research gives us a deeper look at the factors influencing dairy purchasing among lower-income households, what matters to consumers, where barriers exist, and where there may be opportunities to better meet their needs. We want these findings to spark conversations across retail, nutrition, food access, and policy that can ultimately lead to practical solutions.”
During the September 18 workshop, participants will hear presentations on the research findings and engage in facilitated discussions exploring what the evidence means for future programming, research, and policy. The convening is designed not only to share the research, but also to create dialogue among stakeholders who can help translate the findings into action.
The event reflects FSFI and Midwest Dairy’s shared commitment to advancing evidence-based approaches that strengthen food systems and improve access to nutritious foods.
Event Details
Report Launch & Workshop: Insights into Dairy Demand and Purchasing Decisions among Low-Income Consumers in the Midwest
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 Time: 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. CDT
Registration and breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m.
Location: Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast 1330 Industrial Boulevard NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
Ahead of the report launch, FSFI and Midwest Dairy will host a networking reception for registered participants on Thursday, September 17, at 5:45 p.m. CDT at Delta Hotels. The reception will offer an informal opportunity to connect with fellow attendees before Friday’s program.
Registration: Complimentary and required.
About Food Systems for the Future Institute
Food Systems for the Future Institute (FSFI) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equitable access to affordable, nutritious food. Working at the intersection of research, policy, finance, and innovation, FSFI develops evidence-based solutions and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for communities across the United States and globally.
About Midwest Dairy
Midwest Dairy® represents 3,600 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We work to build trust in dairy by fostering meaningful partnerships, supporting nutrition research, and advancing initiatives that improve health and strengthen communities across the region.
Media Contact
Erika Contreras
Communications Manager
Food Systems for the Future Institute