Pennsylvania Senate passes resolution supporting whole-fat milk in schools

It's the iconic image of school lunch — a paper milk carton on a plastic tray. But a 2019 study found that almost a third of milk in schools goes to waste, and some lawmakers blame the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. 

Members of Congress in both the House and the Senate have renewed legislative efforts to reverse part of the 2010 law, known for its dramatic changes to the foods permitted in school cafeterias. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would allow whole and 2% milk to be sold in schools again — 15 years after they were banned in favor of skim and nonfat milk.

Pennsylvania’s state Senate has unanimously passed a resolution supporting the effort.

“For far too long, we’ve denied children access to one of the most complete and natural sources of nutrition, while sugary drinks remain widely available,” said state Senator Michele Brooks (R-50), who sponsored the resolution. “Whole and 2% milk provide essential nutrients that are critical to bone health, brain development, reducing childhood obesity and overall wellness. It’s time to restore common sense to school nutrition.”

Because of its higher saturated fat content, registered dietician Molly Snyder says whole milk “got a bad rap” when the federal government started to become more concerned with child obesity and prediabetes. But she says the focus on saturated fats overlooks some benefits of whole milk, especially for kids who won’t drink skim. 

“It leaves you feeling a little bit more satisfied later, so you may eat less because you're more satisfied with the food,” Snyder, who works as the director of food services for both Greenville and Jamestown School Districts, said. “It does have more fat content, which means we can absorb more fat-soluble vitamins and minerals, which children need.”

“We need to be able to absorb vitamin K, A, D and E, and we need fat in our diet to do it.”

Jennifer Reiser, the director of food and nutrition services for Grove City School District, agreed that allowing more milk options in schools could benefit students’ overall health. 

“This change could provide more options for students to consume milk, which provides 13 essential nutrients,” Reiser said in a statement. “If this important food group is skipped during the school day because they do not like the choice offered, it could impact their health.”

While skim milk is still widely considered the healthier option, Snyder said there’s no one-size-fits all answer when it comes to what to feed your child. 

“I hope people recognize that there's more than one right option with milk — whole milk versus fat-free versus almond versus soy, anything can fit in your personalized diet plan,” Snyder said. 

The House version of the bill has passed through committee with bipartisan support, but has yet to be taken up for a vote on the floor.