The U.S. House passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147), with strong bipartisan support in a 330-99 vote. The bill will enhance school meal nutrition by providing children with a wider variety of milk options. These include whole and 2% milk, favorites among children at home.
The House vote is getting positive reactions from farming organizations.
Brody Stapel, president of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative says, “Milk is an essential part of a balanced diet. This is especially true for our growing children. Offering expanded options encourages consumption of nutrient-dense milk. Thank you to Reps. GT Thompson and Kim Schrier for their unwavering support and leadership to ensure that fuller-fat dairy products are recognized as healthy options, especially for school nutrition programs. We urge the Senate to take up their companion bill ASAP.”
FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative General Manager Jeff Lyon says, “FarmFirst applauds the approval of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147), a bipartisan bill which expands healthy milk options for kids in schools. FarmFirst has been a long-time advocate for expanded dairy options in schools. This bill will reverse the current regulations that only allow low-fat and fat-free milk options to be offered. The reintroduction of whole milk in school cafeterias will not only promote children’s health by offering a well-rounded selection of milk options in schools, but also the potential for increased demand for milk, thereby supporting dairy farmers. FarmFirst will continue to advocate for legislation that ensures healthy nutrition as well as for the well being of the dairy industry.”
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