Whole milk is making a comeback in America’s schools, thanks to the passing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by the House of Representatives and the Senate. This bill, once signed into law by President Trump, will allow schools to offer whole milk and reduced-fat milk for the first time since the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act eliminated those options in 2012.
In a surprising twist, the bill also paves the way for non-dairy milk options in schools. Schools will now be able to stock non-dairy alternatives that meet the nutritional standards of milk, such as fortified soy milk. Additionally, students can now bring in a note from their parents to request non-dairy alternatives, rather than needing a doctor’s note as was previously required.
Nutrition experts are intrigued by this unexpected addition to the bill, which they see as a welcome change that benefits both the dairy industry and those who prefer non-dairy options. Erica Kenney, an associate professor of public health nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, commented on the current state of affairs, stating, “Everything’s just so weird these days.”
This development marks a significant shift in school lunch programs and provides students with more choices when it comes to their milk preferences. With the potential for both dairy and non-dairy options on the table, schools will be better equipped to meet the diverse needs and preferences of their student bodies.
