Central Wisconsin News

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan amendment introduced by Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) to prevent the Biden administration from banning chocolate milk in schools. The amendment was included in the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023.

Rep. Tiffany's amendment specifically aims to prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from issuing any rule that would ban varieties of milk covered by the bill, including chocolate milk. This amendment comes in response to the Biden administration's proposal to restrict flavored milk in school lunchrooms.

In February, the USDA proposed a rule that could limit the availability of flavored milk, such as chocolate and strawberry, in high schools, while elementary and middle school students would have no access to flavored milk at all. This potential ban on chocolate milk has raised concerns among lawmakers and parents alike.

Rep. Tiffany, who had previously introduced the Milk is Indisputably Liked by Kids (MILK) Act of 2023, expressed his commitment to ensuring continued student access to flavored milk. In his floor remarks, he highlighted the importance of maintaining a variety of milk options for school children, stating, "This would ensure that all types and flavors of milk are available to school children and not subject to bureaucratic rulemaking."

The potential ban on flavored milk has sparked a debate about the impact it would have on children's milk consumption and overall nutrition. Rep. Tiffany referred to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, which found that removing flavored milk from schools resulted in a significant reduction in milk consumption by children in kindergarten through 8th grade.

"Milk is full of rich nutrients that support bone growth and development, and millions of children enjoy drinking it," Rep. Tiffany emphasized. "We should not allow rules that would limit our children's access to delicious and nutritious products like milk and its varieties covered in this great bill."

The passage of Tiffany's amendment in the House is seen as a victory for those who believe that children should have access to a range of milk options in schools. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, which now includes the amendment, is awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.

The debate over chocolate milk in schools continues, with supporters of the amendment urging the Senate to consider the importance of providing nutritious and appealing options for students. As Rep. Tiffany concluded his remarks, he boldly stated, "Come and Take It, USDA!"

For additional details, please follow this link: https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffanys-bipartisan-amendment-keep-chocolate-milk-schools-clears-house