Tag: whole milk in schools

Whole Milk in Schools Becoming Law, and Dairy Celebrates

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Years of legislative effort ended with victory for schoolchildren, dairy farmers and their cooperatives as Congress passed and a presidential signature is imminent for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a landmark restoration of choice in school meals.

The legislation gives schools the option of serving whole and 2% milk varieties in federally funded programs, returning fuller-fat varieties that had been left out of lunches since federal rules in 2012 pushed them out. Overwhelming congressional support, backed by newer nutrition science and pro-milk public sentiment, made legislation once considered aspirational a reality for dairy.

“It’s hard to overstate the significance of congressional passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, not only because it represents major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but also because of what it says about how persistent, long-term effort can still bring bipartisan success in Congress,” NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement.

“Since 2012, when federal nutrition rules took whole and 2% milk out of school meals programs, dairy farmers and their cooperatives have pointed out the flaws in that decision, which wasn’t aligned with consumer choice. What was true then became even more true in years to come, as newer research consistently showed the value of milk at all fat levels and consumers moved even further toward fuller-fat varieties in their purchases.

“And now the day has arrived. We thank Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania and Representative Kim Schrier of Washington for their critical roles in championing the most recent version of this important legislation to the finish line and the many other congressional leaders who preceded them in their efforts to protect access to nutritious milk in schools. Dairy doesn’t succeed without tireless advocates on Capitol Hill, and it’s been an honor to work with these members and their staff in this effort.

NMPF led the way in congressional lobbying, with Executive Vice President Paul Bleiberg’s efforts singled out in Senate and House floor speeches backing the measure. NMPF has approached the issue on multiple fronts. From working with senators and House members to meeting with USDA to filing regulatory comments, NMPF worked to successfully reinstate 1% flavored milk in school meal programs in 2022, setting the stage for further advances in whole milk.

The legislative lift complete, the next step will be USDA implementation, as dairy cooperatives prepare to supply schools with whole milk. NMPF will be monitoring developments closely and keeping members in the loop as whole and 2% milk returns to school meals. Meanwhile, the organization eagerly implements the announcement of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which also is expected to support dairy at all fat levels.

Whole Milk Win Points the Way Forward

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

What a great way to end a year — and begin a new one.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which is now law, not only because it represents major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but because of what it says about the moment that dairy is experiencing, and the great opportunities this industry has to build on that momentum.

Just as much as $11 billion in new plant investment the industry is now experiencing, this legislation’s passage tells the story of how dairy has reasserted itself as essential to the American diet, after that position was seemingly threatened merely a dozen years ago. When whole milk was restricted from school menus in 2012, it was billed as a health measure — in that telling, milk had too much saturated fat, and too many calories, to be acceptable in anything other than 1% or skim forms. The types of milk Americans drank most at the time — whole and 2% milkfat — were rendered suspect in the eyes of the federal government, a move with significant implications for federal programs and the next generation of milk-drinkers.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, an effort led in the House by Rep. GT Thompson since 2019, frankly, was considered “aspirational” for several years — a nice idea, but not one with much hope of becoming reality. Demonization of dairy was rampant in media, and plant-based beverages were the next big thing, with sales and market share rising. It would have been easy at that time to have despaired for the industry, which also was going through a period of low prices and intensified consolidation.

But dairy farmers had a product they believed in. And in retrospect, from “almonds don’t lactate” statements at FDA to falling sales in some plant-based beverage categories, cracks were showing in the “Death of Dairy” armor.

The COVID-19 pandemic was the inflection point, as consumers increasingly sought tried-and-true nutrition options and became better educated about dairy’s value — as a result, they began buying noticeably more of it. Cottage cheese became a Gen Z craze that spread. Whey protein became the go-to energy supplement. Even as schools restricted options, the percentage of milk bought at retail that was whole or 2% increased. Plant-based beverage sales peaked in 2021 and have been declining since. Fluid milk sales reversed decades of decline, increasing in 2023.

Just as importantly, science began to more convincingly support what we knew all along — dairy fats don’t deserve demonization, and in fact have nutritional values we didn’t fully understand earlier. As fat concerns were shown to be overblown, it wasn’t just parents who endorsed dairy — it was leading nutritionists. And with marketplace and scientific consensus in alignment, Congress began to notice. Whole milk legislation moved from dream to no-brainer; in 2023 it became an overwhelmingly bipartisan reality in the House of Representatives, which easily passed GT Thompson’s bill. It would have passed the Senate too, were it not for concerns that Congress was outrunning the dietary guidelines, which was still looking backward at the science. We went to work on overcoming that concern, both in congressional advocacy and in reinforcing the newer finding on whole milk benefits.

And here we are today.

A successful effort such as this doesn’t come without a lot of work from a lot of people. Without consumer demand, political popularity doesn’t happen. Without scientists, the reassurance of skeptics that whole milk really should be back in schools doesn’t happen. Without the leadership in Congress, beginning with GT Thompson and co-sponsor Rep. Kim Schrier, as well as Senate sponsors Sens. Roger Marshall and Peter Welch, the bill doesn’t get the congressional attention needed to move forward. And without the united strength of dairy advocates, including company, state-level and association lobbyists, this issue doesn’t get in front of enough lawmaker desks to break through.

But I would like to single out one person for special recognition as this critical legislation is poised for passage. Paul Bleiberg, our Executive Vice President for Government Relations, fought for this legislation every stop of the way. From his early conversations with Thompson staff to his efforts to keep the legislation on the agenda, Paul has known how to harness public sentiment for effective advocacy and show leadership across the entire policy community to make the legislation got over the finish line. Paul deserves special recognition for efforts that will meaningfully improve the nutrition of children and the benefits that dairy farmers can provide. That’s a unique accomplishment, and Paul deserves all recognition he may receive.

Working for dairy is what we do. But it’s not just that. We work for dairy so that dairy can work for everyone. Restoring whole milk in schools helps dairy farmers better nourish a nation. That’s no small thing. It takes years.

Yes, there are frustrations — with the government, with prices, with all the challenges and inadequacies of living and working in challenging times, every day. But let’s not pass up the moment to celebrate, recognize and appreciate. Thank you to Paul, to the dairy community, to congressional leaders, and to consumers. We’re making a better world, and that doesn’t happen without you. Happy New Year.

Gregg Doud

President & CEO, NMPF

 

NMPF Celebrates House Passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

From NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud:

“It’s hard to overstate the significance of congressional passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, not only because it represents major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but also because of what it says about how persistent, long-term effort can still bring bipartisan success in Congress.

“Since 2012, when federal nutrition rules took whole and 2% milk out of school meals programs, dairy farmers and their cooperatives have pointed out the flaws in that decision, which wasn’t aligned with consumer choice. What was true then became even more true in years to come, as newer research consistently showed the value of milk at all fat levels and consumers moved even further toward fuller-fat varieties in their purchases.

“And now the day has arrived. We thank Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania and Representative Kim Schrier of Washington for their critical roles in championing the most recent version of this important legislation to the finish line and the many other congressional leaders who preceded them in their efforts to protect access to nutritious milk in schools . Dairy doesn’t succeed without tireless advocates on Capitol Hill, and it’s been an honor to work with these members and their staffs in this effort.

“The next step, after a presidential signature, is implementation. We pledge our fullest support to federal officials and school districts across the nation to help with implementation of this important legislation. Congress made a positive difference today. We are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Whole Milk is (Excruciatingly Close to Being) Back

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

It’s so close you can almost taste it.

Senate passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act means all that remains is for the House of Representatives to bring it to the floor for a vote. And the House vote should be a foregone conclusion: In 2023 the chamber passed it overwhelmingly, and if anything, political support should be even stronger this time.

Whole milk will be back in schools, and that’s another cause for holiday cheer. Nutrition science over the past decade has shown its place in a healthy child’s diet. And consumers are speaking ever-more-loudly in its favor. To put it in a graphic: Using USDA data, below are the market shares of unflavored whole, 2%, 1% and skim milk in 2012 — the year federal rules changed to keep whole milk out of federal nutrition programs…

…and in 2024, after a dozen years of “healthier” options in schools.

The science has spoken. And as shown above, consumers have spoken, increasingly turning to whole milk at home even as schools labor under restrictions. We at NMPF have spoken, and spoken, and spoken, again and again. And you can speak too, via our call-to-action that helps you write your House member as an advocate for whole milk.

It’s time. In fact, it’s long past time. But it’s about to happen, and you should be a part of it. Write your lawmaker, raise a glass — and look forward to better school nutrition in 2026.

 

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids: Now is the Time

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

After years of patient effort, Congress seems headed for a long-overdue correction to misguided nutrition policy. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is moving forward, and with it an opportunity to better nourish the next generation of American schoolkids.

We’ve been down this road before. The same legislation passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2023, but the Senate didn’t consider it before time expired in that Congress. This time, Senate prospects are stronger. Last month, the Senate Agriculture Committee reviewed the bill at a legislative hearing, which showcased the strong bipartisan support the measure enjoys.  Its House counterpart committee has already approved it, and we are hopeful for similar Senate action.

After that, the next step is the floor. With overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, this legislation is a chance for both parties to agree on something – and that’s too good of an opportunity for Congress to pass up. More likely, lawmakers will want to move quickly, showing their constituents a win on a popular – and important – issue.

From a nutrition standpoint, bringing whole and 2% milk back into schools, which the legislation would allow, is a no-brainer: Kids benefit from consuming high-quality nutrition, and whole milk is a high-quality nutritious food they will actually consume. This is even more important, considering that roughly 90 percent of the U.S. population does not meet current dairy recommendations, as USDA recently told the Senate Ag Committee.

School meals rules in effect since 2012 only allow 1% and fat-free milk options, ostensibly to reduce calorie intake and combat childhood obesity. That oversimplifies the complexities of child nutrition. Whole milk is a rich source of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, all of which are crucial for the development of strong bones, teeth, and muscles. The fats present in whole milk also play a vital role in brain development and overall growth. Most importantly, kids prefer whole milk. That boosts consumption and reduces food waste. Better used, better-targeted nutrition is a compelling combination the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would achieve.

Putting whole milk in schools also aligns with the latest dietary science. The demonization of dietary fats, particularly saturated fats found in whole milk, is being increasingly debunked – but the widespread misconceptions they have fostered take time to turn around. Emerging research suggests that saturated fats are not inherently detrimental when consumed as part of a balanced diet; in fact, they help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and provide long-lasting energy that is essential for active children. By excluding whole milk from school menus, we may be depriving children of these critical benefits.

We’re also depriving them of what parents overwhelmingly choose to serve them at home. In 2012, the year changes to school meals guidelines eliminated whole milk as an option, 69 percent of fluid milk bought at retail was whole or 2% milk. After a dozen years of kids being forced to consume only skim or 1%, that percentage rose to 81 percent. It’s time to stop swimming against the tide and align schools with parental choice.

Ultimately, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is about making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children. We’ve been active boosters of this legislation, sponsored in the House by Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-PA, and Rep. Kim Schrier, D-WA, and in the Senate by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, and Sen. Peter Welch, D-VT, every step of the way. As it moves forward, expect us to be asking for your support. (You can subscribe to our Advocacy Alerts, along with other NMPF publications, here.) This legislation is a meaningful step towards ensuring that every child has access to the essential nutrients they need to thrive. It isn’t an opportunity we want to miss.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is not just a legislative proposal; it’s a path toward a healthier, more nutritionally sound future for our children. It’s vital that Congress moves swiftly to enact it into law. Our children’s health and well-being depend on it.

Gregg Doud

President & CEO, NMPF

 

Whole Milk Brings the Nutrition Children Want, and Need

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Much has changed about milk consumption since 2012, the year that whole and 2 percent milk varieties were no longer allowed in federal school meal programs. Since then, the body of research supporting the benefits of fuller-fat milk has grown more robust, with research showing that dairy foods at higher fat levels are linked to outcomes such as lower total body mass in kids and lower childhood obesity. Milk is, simply put, a nutrition powerhouse.

Concern over food waste has also grown, with food waste rising when kids are given meals they don’t want to eat. Meanwhile, the gulf between what kids drink at home versus what they’re served in schools – already gaping when the ban took effect — has only widened.

 

This is the percentage of U.S. fluid milk consumption, excluding flavored varieties, in 2012, and again in 2022. Even at the time the rules changed, keeping whole and 2 percent milk off school meal menus was out of step with what parents gave their own children, with roughly 68 percent of consumption coming from those varieties. That should have been an ominous sign for anyone who ever thought children would flock to milk that didn’t taste like what they had at home.

That disconnect is even worse today.

In 2022, whole and 2 percent milk accounted for roughly 80 percent of consumption – and still, students don’t have access to the same healthy choices they almost certainly have at home. This is a lost opportunity for high-quality, affordable nutrition that kids would gladly consume. And that’s why, when the House of Representatives takes up the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act this week, lawmakers should take heed of the choices voters make at the grocery store – decisions that align with the latest scientific research on the benefits of dairy at all fat levels as well as consumer preference.

Having whole and 2 percent milk in school meals will nourish children and reduce food waste. And most importantly, it encourages kids to consume the nutrients they need. Taking the most popular varieties of milk out of meals was a questionable decision in 2012 – it’s indefensible in 2023. NMPF has a call to action urging lawmakers to pass the bill – the bigger the margin, the more pressure on the Senate to make it law. Dairy farmers, as well as parents and educators everywhere, will be watching the House with great interest this week.

And when common sense wins, we know exactly what we’ll drink at the celebration.