House cheers for healthier school milk

By Blake Jackson

In a victory for both children's health and dairy farmers, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 (H.R. 1147) on Wednesday. This bipartisan bill, led by Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Kim Schrier (D-WA), paves the way for bringing whole and reduced-fat flavored milk back to school cafeterias.

For over a decade, children have been limited to one percent and fat-free milk under the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, a decision based on outdated nutritional guidelines. But critics argue that this stripped milk of much of its flavor and health benefits, including essential vitamins, minerals, and bone-building calcium.

"Milk is a powerhouse of nutrients, critical for healthy development," says Rep. Thompson. "The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act empowers schools to offer more nutritious choices, benefiting both students and dairy farmers."

Supporters point to research showing that children consuming whole milk have a lower risk of being overweight and experience a range of health benefits like stronger immunity, lower blood pressure, and improved sleep. Moreover, the myth that whole milk contributes to childhood obesity is debunked by its minimal fat content and lack of processed ingredients.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman hails the bill as a win for both health and the state's $15 billion dairy industry, which has suffered since the 2010 law. "School meals are crucial for low-income families, and whole milk provides essential nutrients they might not otherwise access," he emphasizes.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act now heads to the Senate, where a swift passage is hoped for. The American Farm Bureau Federation echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of expanding milk options while addressing childhood nutrition gaps.

The potential return of whole milk to school menus signals a shift towards evidence-based nutritional guidelines and prioritizes both children's health and the economic well-being of dairy farmers. This bipartisan achievement promises a brighter future for healthy school lunches and the sustainability of America's vital dairy industry.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankvandenbergh