Whole and reduced-fat milk will soon return to school cafeterias after Congress approved a bipartisan bill backed by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.
Schumer announced December 15 that the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has passed both the House and Senate and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
The bill rolls back federal restrictions put in place in 2012 that limited the types of milk schools could serve through U.S. Department of Agriculture meal programs. Those limits cut whole and reduced-fat milk from menus nationwide.
A boost for kids and dairy farms
“At long last, whole milk will return to school lunches,” Schumer said. “Milk is one of the best and healthiest options to give students the nutrition they need to learn and grow.”
Schumer said the change supports student health while also helping Upstate New York dairy farmers, who have felt the impact of reduced milk demand in schools for more than a decade.
Health and nutrition focus
Supporters of the bill point to research showing milk provides key nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. The legislation cites studies linking higher-fat milk consumption in children to positive health outcomes, including lower rates of childhood obesity.
Allowing more milk options in schools could also increase how much milk students drink, giving them greater access to its nutritional benefits.
Economic impact in New York
Dairy is one of New York’s largest agricultural industries. The state is home to nearly 3,000 dairy farms that produce more than 16 billion pounds of milk each year, ranking New York fifth nationwide.
Schumer said he has long supported policies aimed at strengthening the dairy industry, calling the bill a common-sense fix that benefits both farmers and families.
If signed, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will allow schools nationwide to once again offer whole and reduced-fat milk as part of federal breakfast and lunch programs.
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