Milk gets a boost

It is not every month we get to discuss momentous, legislative events for the dairy industry. Yet, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has the potential to help more schoolchildren enjoy nutritious, delicious milk in two additional varieties.

In December, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. It would reintroduce whole (3.25% milkfat) and reduced-fat (2% milkfat) milk to school cafeterias, restoring the two most popular milk varieties to schools. This legislation is the result of a decade-long effort by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and many others.

However, we have not reached the finish line just yet. The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, which has jurisdiction over child nutrition issues, must consider and pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by the end of the 118th Congress, or by January 3, 2025.

Hopefully, considering the Act passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan 330-99 vote, the Senate will follow suit. School milk is of critical importance to dairy processors and it provides many important nutrients for children.

Many dairy trade groups and cooperatives have advocated for the passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This includes IFDA, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

“IDFA praises the strong bipartisan passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by the U.S. House of Representatives and calls for swift action on the companion bill in the U.S. Senate so that schools can once again provide children with a wide variety of milk options that deliver essential nutrients and meet their individual needs — whether that be whole or 2%, low-fat, or lactose-free milk,” it says in a statement.

Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF, also is delighted that the House approved the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. “Milk’s unique nutritional profile gives it an unparalleled role in providing kids the nutrients they need. Expanding the milk schools can choose to serve to include 2% and whole [milk] is a common-sense solution that will help ensure kids have access to the same healthful milk options they drink at home,” Mulhern said. “House passage is a critical step, and we urge the Senate to consider this bill immediately so it may be enacted into law.”

DFA also applauds the U.S. House of Representatives decision. “The 13 essential nutrients and vitamins contained in milk, along with the high-quality protein real dairy milk delivers, are critical for brain and bone development in children. As part of a healthy diet, whole milk can also help improve children’s memory, their ability to focus and brain function,” DFA noted in a statement.

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative President Brody Stapel added: “Milk is an essential part of a balanced diet, especially for our growing children. Milk’s nutritional benefits for school-age children have been proven time and again, and offering expanded options encourages consumption of nutrient-dense milk.”

Milk has had its naysayers in recent years, perhaps leading to its consumption decline, especially by younger consumers, according to research firms. However, that was only round one. The passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the U.S. House of Representatives proves traditional milk is ready to win the heavyweight battle. DF

Brian Berk is editor-in-chief of Dairy Foods. Contact him at 516-402-1369 or berkb@bnpmedia.com.