The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 13 approved allowing whole milk and milk with 2% fat in school lunch programs.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act — HR 1147 — led by Reps. Glen “G.T.” Thompson, R-Pa., and Kim Schrier, D-Wash., passed by a bipartisan vote of 330-99.

The dairy industry has pushed for more flexibility in school milk offerings for years, contending students preferred those choices and were more likely to drink school milk.

Whole milk contains about 3.25% fat, according to USDA.

Common-sense solution

Organizations representing dairy farmers were quick to issue statements on House passage of the measure.

National Milk Producers Federation is delighted, said Jim Mulhern, NMPF president and CEO.

“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 is a common-sense solution that will help ensure kids have access to the same healthful milk options they drink at home,” he said.

“House passage is a critical step, and we urge the Senate to consider this bill immediately so it may be enacted into law,” he said.

The Senate has its own version of the bill led by Sens. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Peter Welch, D-Vt.

Undernourished

American Farm Bureau Federation applauds the passage to ensure schools can offer additional nutritious milk options to students, said Zippy Duvall, AFBF president.

“In a letter to Congress, AFBF shared that milk is an important building block for America’s children, but approximately 9 out of 10 children aren’t consuming enough dairy to meet their nutrition needs. Unfortunately, whole and 2% milk aren’t allowed in school lunch programs, limiting access to protein, calcium and vitamins at important times in children’s development,” he said.

“We encourage the Senate to quickly follow the House’s lead to promote healthy school meal options for America’s students,” he said.

Preference

Dairy Farmers of America commended the House.

“Whole and 2% milk are widely preferred by children and parents nationwide. And yet, students cannot access these same healthy milk options in their schools. Access to whole milk in schools allows students to benefit from affordable, unmatched and wholesome nutrition,” the dairy cooperative said in the statement.

“Today’s decision is in alignment with scientific research that demonstrates the benefits of real dairy at all fat levels and consumer preference,” it said.

Wholesome product

The American Dairy Coalition is pleased with the passage of the measure, said Walt Moore, coalition chairman.

“As farmers, we produce a wholesome product that our nation’s children should be able to choose,” he said.

Passage of the bill gives students the freedom to choose whole milk at school and makes it possible for schools to offer this nutritional choice without the fear of losing federal meal and education dollars, he said.

“Scientific evidence supports fuller fat milk and dairy as an excellent source of vital nutrients and other health benefits. While the natural milkfat aids absorption of key vitamins, it also brings flavor to the table so students can enjoy and benefit from all that milk has to offer them,” he said.