Mr Howard says cheese is not only versatile but, as a source of protein, calcium and phosphorus, is a solid nutritional element for New Zealand families.
He says he is concerned that, in a low-wage economy, Wairarapa families are struggling to afford healthy food options.
"There's all these organisations wanting to promote healthy living, and cheese is part of that," he says.
"If those organisations want to promote healthy living, then we should reduce the cost of healthy food.
"If Fonterra can provide free milk in schools, surely they can reduce the cost of cheese for everyone. They should be subsidising us, because its our product."
Masterton single mum Lisa Crook says her young family has had to cut back on cheese, due to the cost.
"It's a bit expensive - we used to go through at least a block a week, now I'll only buy a block a fortnight," says Ms Crook, a mental health worker, whose children are eight and two.
"I think cheese used to be an essential item - but I don't think it is for many families now, because of the cost attached."
She says she will only buy cheese if it's on special, and is loath to spend more than $8 on a 1kg block.
"I go to Pak n' Save, as they've got the better prices. You can get a kilo of cheese for $6.98 - but not all the time.
"I once saw you could get a kilo for $5.98, but you had to spend a certain amount of money on your other groceries to get that deal."
Ms Crook says that, while her son isn't bothered, her 2-year-old daughter is less than impressed with her household's cheese sanctions.
"Angel loves it, and she'll eat a good slice a day.
"She knows how to say 'cheese' now. And she gets a bit upset when she gets into the fridge and sees we don't have it in the house."
Federated Farmers Wairarapa president Jamie Falloon says that the price of dairy products - including cheese - has increased nationwide since the recent drought - and Wairarapa consumers will certainly be affected.
"For all dairy products, the globally traded prices goes up when supply is short," he said.
"Thirty per cent of all New Zealand dairy products are traded internationally, so a shortage in New Zealand supply has an effect on worldwide prices."
Mr Falloon says that "the heat has gone out of the dairy market" thanks to improved weather conditions - but is unsure if this will lead to a fall in cheese prices.
"It all depends on what will happen next season."
Countdown representatives confirmed that due to the drought, the cost of cheese has risen across all retailers.
"Our suppliers regularly review the price of cheese, and this can go up and down depending on supply and demand," a Countdown spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for Foodstuffs New Zealand, the other half of the country's supermarket duopoly, said it works hard to offer customers good deals on products such as cheese.
"We work closely with our suppliers to get the best possible prices for our customers," says Foodstuffs' communications manager, Katherine Klouwens.
"[However], we can't speculate on future deals, as this depends entirely on the international supply and demand."
Mr Howard says he advises his clients to buy cheese when its on special at their local supermarket, and to "shop around" to find the best bargains.
