Majority of U.S. Parents Urge Congress to Reinstate Whole and 2% Milk in School Meals
Source: DairyNews.today
As National School Lunch Week unfolds, a growing number of U.S. parents are advocating for the return of whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk in public school meals.
According to a new Morning Consult poll, commissioned by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), 88% of parents with children in public schools believe that these widely consumed milk options should be reinstated in school cafeterias—where they have been absent for over a decade.
The poll reveals strong support for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill currently under review by the U.S. Senate. The legislation, which aims to restore whole and 2% milk as part of school meal programs, passed the House of Representatives in December 2023 with overwhelming bipartisan approval.
Key Findings from the Poll:
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, emphasized the widespread parental demand for a return to whole and 2% milk in schools. "Parents know that milk is vital for their children's health and prefer these options," Dykes stated. "This poll highlights nearly unanimous support for Congress to reinstate whole and 2% milk in school meals."
Declining Milk Consumption in Schools
Since the ban on whole and 2% milk more than a decade ago, both milk consumption and school meal participation have declined, leading to concerns about nutritional deficiencies. A significant portion of school-aged children—between 68% and 94%—are failing to meet recommended dairy intake levels, according to federal guidelines.
Evolving Nutritional Science Supports Full-Fat Dairy
In recent years, scientific research has shifted to reveal neutral or positive effects of full-fat dairy products like whole milk. Studies have linked full-fat dairy to reduced weight gain, a neutral or lower risk of heart disease, and decreased rates of childhood obesity. This evolving understanding underscores the importance of whole and 2% milk in the diets of growing children.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R.1147, S.1957) seeks to offer schools a wider variety of milk options, including whole, 2%, low-fat, and lactose-free milk, to meet the nutritional needs of students. The U.S. Senate has yet to vote on the companion bill, which has garnered support from 18 bipartisan Senators.
"It’s time for Congress to allow dairy farmers and milk processors to offer their best products to students," added Dykes. "Reintroducing whole and 2% milk in schools will ensure more children receive the vital nutrients they need to succeed. We urge the Senate to pass this critical legislation promptly."
For more information on the role of milk in children's health, visit www.wholemilkforkids.com.
The poll reveals strong support for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill currently under review by the U.S. Senate. The legislation, which aims to restore whole and 2% milk as part of school meal programs, passed the House of Representatives in December 2023 with overwhelming bipartisan approval.
Key Findings from the Poll:
- 91% of parents serve whole or 2% milk to their children at home and want these options available at school.
- 88% of parents agree that whole and 2% milk should be reintroduced in public school meals.
- 81% of parents support Congress passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, with bipartisan backing—89% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans in favor.
- Parents describe whole and 2% milk as nutritious (89%), healthy (88%), wholesome (85%), and tasty (87%).
- Most parents mistakenly believe their children already have access to whole (60%) or 2% milk (60%) in schools, despite these options being unavailable for more than a decade.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, emphasized the widespread parental demand for a return to whole and 2% milk in schools. "Parents know that milk is vital for their children's health and prefer these options," Dykes stated. "This poll highlights nearly unanimous support for Congress to reinstate whole and 2% milk in school meals."
Declining Milk Consumption in Schools
Since the ban on whole and 2% milk more than a decade ago, both milk consumption and school meal participation have declined, leading to concerns about nutritional deficiencies. A significant portion of school-aged children—between 68% and 94%—are failing to meet recommended dairy intake levels, according to federal guidelines.
Evolving Nutritional Science Supports Full-Fat Dairy
In recent years, scientific research has shifted to reveal neutral or positive effects of full-fat dairy products like whole milk. Studies have linked full-fat dairy to reduced weight gain, a neutral or lower risk of heart disease, and decreased rates of childhood obesity. This evolving understanding underscores the importance of whole and 2% milk in the diets of growing children.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R.1147, S.1957) seeks to offer schools a wider variety of milk options, including whole, 2%, low-fat, and lactose-free milk, to meet the nutritional needs of students. The U.S. Senate has yet to vote on the companion bill, which has garnered support from 18 bipartisan Senators.
"It’s time for Congress to allow dairy farmers and milk processors to offer their best products to students," added Dykes. "Reintroducing whole and 2% milk in schools will ensure more children receive the vital nutrients they need to succeed. We urge the Senate to pass this critical legislation promptly."
For more information on the role of milk in children's health, visit www.wholemilkforkids.com.
