NMPF Statement on Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
ARLINGTON,
VA – From
NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud:
“NMPF commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-PA,
and Rep. Kim Schrier, D-WA, for continuing to lead their bipartisan Whole Milk
for Healthy Kids Act to help increase kids’ access to milk’s vital nutrients.
“The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed in its Scientific Report
last December that most kids and adolescents are not meeting daily dairy intake
recommendations. Good nutrition is a cornerstone of children’s health and
development, and milk plays an unparalleled role in providing the nutrients
kids need to grow and thrive. But kids take more milk, and drink more milk, in
school when they have nutrient-dense options they like. A growing body of
scientific evidence shows that dairy foods at all fat levels have a neutral or
positive effect on health outcomes, ranging from lower prevalence of obesity
and diabetes to reduced heart disease risk and healthy cholesterol levels.
“We are grateful to the House Education and the Workforce Committee for
approving the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act today on a bipartisan vote. It’s
a critical step toward finally expanding the popular, healthy milk options
schools can serve to improve student nutrition.”