Federal Rule Change Reintroduces Whole Milk in Cheney Public Schools

Cheney Public Schools are adjusting their lunch menus to include whole milk after a recent federal regulation change. In January, President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, allowing schools to serve whole milk, which aligns with his administration's 'Make American Healthy Again' agenda. This marks a shift from the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act under President Obama, which restricted milk options to low-fat and fat-free varieties to combat childhood obesity.

Executive Chef LJ Klinkenberg of Cheney Public Schools expressed anticipation for the return of whole milk, which he believes will enhance the flavor of school meals. Klinkenberg noted that students often describe the current low-fat milk options as 'watery,' leading to reduced milk consumption. The school currently serves 3,500 cartons a day across three milk types, costing around $400,000 annually.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture updated its guidelines, allowing districts to exclude whole milk from their weekly saturated fat content totals, though calories and sodium must still be accounted for. Cheney Schools plan to implement this change as early as spring, potentially increasing student milk consumption by offering a more appealing product.

However, not all districts are embracing the change. Spokane Public Schools, for instance, does not plan to serve whole milk, citing concerns about meeting other nutritional requirements. They currently serve between 9,000 to 10,000 cartons daily, with a significant portion being nonfat chocolate milk.

There is ongoing debate within the scientific and medical communities regarding the health implications of whole milk's saturated fat content. Some health organizations, like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, argue that whole milk could exacerbate health issues like childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Despite these concerns, Cheney Schools have already procured shelf-stable whole milk in preparation for its reintroduction. Klinkenberg assures that this move will provide students with a nutritious option that could sustain their energy levels throughout the day.