Whole Milk Could Return To Schools in Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, LA – Changes could be on the way in school lunch rooms all across Louisiana. The U.S. House has passed a measure that would bring whole milk back to schools across the nation.

The measure is called the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.” It would let school cafeterias serve whole milk and 2% milk for breakfast and lunch.

Whole milk was eliminated as an option back in 2010 when the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act passed. That measure mandated that schools serve 1% or fat-free milk to meet health guidelines aimed at combating childhood obesity. It was part of Michelle Obama’s healthy eating initiatives.

This change passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 330-99. The measure is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

Whole milk has been banned in schools since 2012.

Opponents don’t support this change. Plant Based News reports these folks say whole milk is associated with several health problems. The detractors say it is the fattiest and most calorific form of dairy milk. They have continued to push for plant based milk products.

There is a federal law in place which requires that cow’s milk must be offered at every school lunch and breakfast served under the USDA’s National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

How Can You Voice Your Opinion?

A petition has been started to push this measure forward and  to encourage members of Congress to bring whole milk back to schools. You can click here to sign that petition. More than 25,000 people have signed that petition. They are hoping to get at least 35,000 signatures.