The Arlington, Va.-based National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., said they welcome the introduction of legislation sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, allowing whole milk in school nutrition programs.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2019 (H.R. 832) has eight other co-sponsors, including Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas), ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee.

“Whole milk provides yet another way for children to receive dairy’s nutritional benefits as part of a healthy eating pattern,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “This bill encourages the proper nutrition they need to lead healthy lives.”

Adding whole milk to school menus reflects research showing that such products benefit children, the dairy organizations said, and gives school administrators one more tool with which to develop healthy eating habits.

“We thank Rep. Thompson for his leadership and Chairman Peterson for being an original co-sponsor on this bill to allow schools more flexibility to offer the same types of milk that children and teens enjoy at home. Providing expanded milk options will help ensure that students get the nutrients that milk uniquely provides, including calcium, vitamin D and potassium,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA.