Central Wisconsin News

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (R-WI) has announced the successful passage of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, alongside Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM). The act, which prevents potential restrictions on chocolate milk in schools, has cleared the House and now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate.

In a press release by Tiffany's office, Tiffany stated on the House floor: "Some may ask why we are focusing on this issue. Unfortunately, it’s because the USDA has its sights on getting rid of chocolate milk in schools. It is now up to us to act." He further explained that during summer it was reported that the Department of Agriculture was considering a ban on chocolate milk in elementary and middle schools. "USDA issued a proposed rule that would set new nutrition standards for school meals," he said, adding that these new standards could limit the availability of flavored milk in high schools while completely barring access for children in elementary and middle schools.

According to data from the American Dietetic Association, eliminating flavored milk from schools resulted in a significant decrease in milk consumption among children from kindergarten through sixth grade. The 2005 USDA data reveals that flavored milk constitutes 66% of the milk chosen by children in schools, with a significant portion (60%) being either low-fat (1%) or fat-free.

Dr. Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), expressed his support for Tiffany's initiative as well. In a press release by Tiffany's office, Dykes stated: "Flavored milk options are critical components of healthy school meals because they deliver 13 essential nutrients that children need for growth, development, healthy immune function, mental health, and overall wellness." He emphasized that when low-fat flavored milk is taken off the menu, school milk consumption declines significantly.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 has garnered support from various quarters. According to a press release by Tiffany's office, U.S. Representatives Jim Banks (IN-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Scott Perry (PA-10), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) were cosponsors of the act. The Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, International Dairy Foods Association, and Wisconsin Farm Bureau have also expressed their support for the act.

The proposed nutrition standards by the Biden administration are expected to impact approximately 30 million students participating in USDA's school meal programs, according to a press release by Tiffany's office.