Image by Couleur from Pixabay 

Public schools are currently banned from providing 2% or whole milk to students

Over 20% of students in San Joaquin County depend on school meals to meet their nutritional needs

December 16, 2023 - WASHINGTON - This week, Rep. Josh Harder’s bill passed the House of Representatives to lift the ban on schools providing 2% and whole milk to students. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will make school meals healthier and offer students nutrient-dense whole milk through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Milk is the number one source of protein, calcium, and Vitamin D for kids ages 2-11, and yet most children do not consume the USDA’s recommended levels of dairy.

Whole milk provides nutrients vital for immune health, including high-quality protein, zinc, selenium, and vitamins D, B12, and A, as well as bone growth and development during a child’s school-age years. In addition to improved physical health, consuming whole milk has been shown to reduce feelings of hunger and improve academic performance. Currently, public school meals offer only 1% and skim milk options.

“Banning whole milk in schools turns out to have been a terrible idea,” said Rep. Harder. “Whole milk is one of the few nutrient-rich foods kids actually prefer that keeps them full and less likely to eat all the sugary treats. I’m glad we can get rid of this ban and re-open options for our kids to keep them happy, healthy, and ready to do well in the classroom.”

Whole and 2% milk were removed from school meal programs over concerns that they increase childhood obesity. Since they were removed, pediatric obesity has actually increased across the country.The bill’s passage comes after Harder wrote multiple bipartisanletters to the USDA to expand and increase access to milk products for children and new mothers.
Source: Congressman Josh Harder