Whole Milk Returning to Schools After Senate Approval

By Blake Jackson

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has announced the Senate’s approval of the bipartisan and bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This bill would allow schools to once again offer unflavored and flavored whole and reduced-fat milk as part of school meal programs. Schumer emphasized that providing more milk options is expected to boost consumption among students and support their health.

“Milk is an essential part of our students’ school lunches and the lifeblood of our Upstate NY agricultural economy. I was proud to support the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to ensure more milk options are available in school cafeterias across America,” said Senator Schumer.

“This is a win-win for local New York dairy farmers who can sell their products and kids who will have more healthy and delicious drink options at lunchtime. I have long fought to boost New York’s dairy industry and will continue fighting to ensure our farmers’ products are widely available.”

The legislation cites growing research outlining the nutritional benefits of milk, including improved bone strength, healthier blood pressure levels, and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans identify milk as a key source of calcium and vitamin D two nutrients most students do not consume enough of. New studies have also found that higher-fat milk may be linked to lower childhood obesity rates and other positive health indicators.

Schools in the USDA school meals program have been restricted from offering whole milk since 2012. Supporters of the bill argue that reinstating these options will encourage more students to drink milk and benefit from its nutritional value.

The dairy sector remains a vital part of New York’s agricultural economy, with nearly 3,000 farms producing more than 16.1 billion pounds of milk each year. Schumer has long advocated for dairy farmers, championing initiatives such as the Dairy Margin Coverage Program and securing approval for Greek yogurt in school meals.

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