USA: House approves legislation to restore whole milk options in school lunches
Source: The DairyNews
In a significant shift, the House of Representatives has passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, signaling the end of a decade-long ban on whole and reduced-fat milk in school lunches. The bill, which received overwhelming support on December 13, aims to amend the milk requirements set by the National School Lunch Program under the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA's 2012 update restricted school milk choices to unflavored low-fat, flavored fat-free, and unflavored fat-free, resulting in a significant decline in milk consumption in schools. The recent bill responds to this by allowing schools to offer a broader range of milk options, including whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk.
Representative GT Thompson, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the act alongside Representative Kim Schrier earlier this year. Thompson emphasizes the importance of milk as a crucial component of a balanced diet, offering essential nutrients and numerous health benefits. He expresses satisfaction with the bipartisan support for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and looks forward to restoring access to nutritious beverages in schools nationwide.
Key figures in the dairy industry have applauded the bill's passage, recognizing its potential impact on students' nutrition and overall well-being. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, among others, have praised the bipartisan efforts behind the legislation.
The bill's supporters argue that providing a variety of milk options, including whole and reduced-fat milk, is essential for addressing nutritional gaps and promoting healthier choices for students. They highlight the potential benefits of increased school meal participation, reduced food waste, and improved overall nutrition.
As the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act progresses, it marks a significant milestone in the effort to reinstate diverse and nutritious milk options in school meals. The bill's passage in the House sets the stage for further deliberation in the Senate, where its potential impact on school nutrition standards will be thoroughly examined.
Representative GT Thompson, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the act alongside Representative Kim Schrier earlier this year. Thompson emphasizes the importance of milk as a crucial component of a balanced diet, offering essential nutrients and numerous health benefits. He expresses satisfaction with the bipartisan support for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and looks forward to restoring access to nutritious beverages in schools nationwide.
Key figures in the dairy industry have applauded the bill's passage, recognizing its potential impact on students' nutrition and overall well-being. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, among others, have praised the bipartisan efforts behind the legislation.
The bill's supporters argue that providing a variety of milk options, including whole and reduced-fat milk, is essential for addressing nutritional gaps and promoting healthier choices for students. They highlight the potential benefits of increased school meal participation, reduced food waste, and improved overall nutrition.
As the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act progresses, it marks a significant milestone in the effort to reinstate diverse and nutritious milk options in school meals. The bill's passage in the House sets the stage for further deliberation in the Senate, where its potential impact on school nutrition standards will be thoroughly examined.
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