Crapo Backs Effort to Bring Whole Milk Access To All Schools

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) in introducing bipartisan legislation that amends the Richard Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools participating in the program to serve whole milk as part of the National School Lunch Program.  Fellow Idaho U.S. Senator Jim Risch is also a co-sponsor.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) reports that nearly 90 percent of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations.  This legislation expands healthy milk options in schools to improve students’ nutrition intake and will be a critical step in improving child nutrition health outcomes. 

“Idaho’s dairy producers rightfully take great pride in the plethora of high-quality, healthy products they produce. This legislation removes unnecessary limits on the types of milk schools can distribute, balancing choice and health in the cafeteria,”  Crapo said. 

“Today, 2 out of 3 children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. Our legislation aims to change that by reinstating whole milk in school cafeterias. I truly believe food is medicine, and by increasing kids' access to milk, we will help prevent health complications down the road and encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come. Whole milk is an excellent source of nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones. Plus, it tastes good," Marshall said.

“Milk provides essential nutritional benefits for America’s kids,” Risch said.  “Through the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, we can ensure our kids have the choice between a wide variety of Idaho’s world class milk options to help strengthen their bones, teeth, and overall health.”

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 would allow schools to provide a wider variety of nutritious milk options that children prefer to drink. Whole milk provides students with milk’s 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. Nutritionists, school meal professionals, and a wide majority of parents know that offering whole milk increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and adds to the nutritional value of school meals for children and adolescents,” Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association said. 

Background: 

1. In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which amended nutrition standards in the School Lunch Program.  Among the changes, the law mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free within the program.
2. In May of 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a rule that allowed schools to receive waivers for low-fat (1%) flavored milk, rather than only fat-free.
3. Leading nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce risk of heart disease.

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