NMPF Supports Legislation Allowing Whole Milk in School Meals
February 3, 2019
NMPF welcomed the introduction at the end of January of legislation sponsored by Reps. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Collin Peterson (D-MN), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, that would allow whole milk in school nutrition programs.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2019 (H.R. 832) has eight other co-sponsors, including Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX), ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee.
Adding whole milk to school menus reflects research showing that such products benefit children and gives school administrators one more tool with which to develop healthy eating habits. NMPF jointly with the International Dairy Foods Association spoke out in support of the bill.
“Whole milk provides yet another way for children to receive dairy’s nutritional benefits as part of a healthy eating pattern,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “This bill encourages the proper nutrition they need to lead healthy lives.”
The bill’s introduction comes after regulatory changes finally return low-fat flavored milk in the school breakfast and lunch programs. Milk has been an integral part of school meal programs since they began, and NMPF has continually explained to policymakers that greater milk consumption equals better nutrition for America’s kids.
Download PDF
