Milk Processors Pledge to Reduce Added Sugars in Flavored School Milk
Source: The DairyNews
In a concerted effort to promote healthier choices for schoolchildren, a majority of fluid milk processors have committed to limiting the amount of added sugars in flavored school milk.
The initiative, known as the Healthy School Milk Commitment, was proactively undertaken as a response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposal to eliminate flavored milk from school offerings.
Michael Dykes, President of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), emphasized the significance of this commitment, noting that approximately 80% of the milk consumed in schools is flavored. Recognizing the potential negative impact on dairy farmers if flavored milk was excluded, Dykes stated, "Schoolchildren wouldn't drink much milk if we didn't offer the flavored milks, so, I thought we couldn't accept this. We've got to do something."
To address these concerns, 37 milk processors within the industry have pledged to adhere to a maximum of ten grams of added sugar by the 2025-2026 school year. This commitment is anticipated to impact 30 million children participating in school lunch and school breakfast programs, covering 95% of school milk programs nationwide. Additionally, the initiative extends to the summer meal program, benefiting an additional 3.2 million children.
Dykes highlighted the industry's dedication to this cause by revealing that, in the past, flavored milk contained up to 14 grams of sugar per eight ounces. Since 2006, a remarkable 31 billion grams of sugar have been removed from flavored milk designated for schools, reflecting the ongoing efforts of fluid milk processors to align with health-conscious goals.
The IDFA's commitment to nutrition initiatives received recognition this week at the White House, placing the organization among the select few acknowledged for their impactful contributions in promoting healthier dietary choices for the nation's youth.
Michael Dykes, President of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), emphasized the significance of this commitment, noting that approximately 80% of the milk consumed in schools is flavored. Recognizing the potential negative impact on dairy farmers if flavored milk was excluded, Dykes stated, "Schoolchildren wouldn't drink much milk if we didn't offer the flavored milks, so, I thought we couldn't accept this. We've got to do something."
To address these concerns, 37 milk processors within the industry have pledged to adhere to a maximum of ten grams of added sugar by the 2025-2026 school year. This commitment is anticipated to impact 30 million children participating in school lunch and school breakfast programs, covering 95% of school milk programs nationwide. Additionally, the initiative extends to the summer meal program, benefiting an additional 3.2 million children.
Dykes highlighted the industry's dedication to this cause by revealing that, in the past, flavored milk contained up to 14 grams of sugar per eight ounces. Since 2006, a remarkable 31 billion grams of sugar have been removed from flavored milk designated for schools, reflecting the ongoing efforts of fluid milk processors to align with health-conscious goals.
The IDFA's commitment to nutrition initiatives received recognition this week at the White House, placing the organization among the select few acknowledged for their impactful contributions in promoting healthier dietary choices for the nation's youth.
