Petition to Bring Back Whole Milk
Published: Friday, October 18, 2019
An online petition has been launched in support of bringing whole milk back to schools.
Katie Sattazahn, one of the leaders of the effort and a member of the Pennsylvania Dairy Advisory Committee, says whole milk, defined as 3.25 percent fat, plays a critical role in helping children grow, develop and be ready to learn. Yet, whole milk is prohibited for children over 2 years of age in public schools and at daycare centers because of Federal Dietary Guidelines.
Currently, milk in schools is restricted to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent fat), but Sattazahn points out that these lower fat milk options are not being consumed on a widespread basis.
"USDA studies of school lunch waste show that the fat-free and low-fat milk are the most frequently discarded items from the school meal," she said. "School foodservice personnel report that children discard the fat-free and low-fat milk they are served with their lunch, and purchase ala carte fruit juices, flavored waters, diet teas, diet colas, as well as Gatorade and Mountain Dew Kickstart beverages sweetened with a calorie-reducing blend of high fructose corn syrup and sucralose. While these reduced-calorie beverages meet federal guidelines, their concentrated sweetness conditions the palate to crave more, while providing little nutrition and no satiety."
Earlier this summer, Althea Zanecosky, a registered dietician and nutrition professor at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania, testified at a hearing before the Pennsylvania House Agriculture Committee, stating: "The evidence is mounting to question the current advice of low-fat or fat-free milk, particularly in childhood."
She cited studies showing current fat-free/low-fat milk regulations contribute to low vitamin D status and higher body fatness, whereas the average child who drank whole milk had higher vitamin D status and lower body fat and less risk of obesity.
In addition to the nutritional benefits, whole milk possesses a quality known as "satiety," which helps children's stomachs feel full longer. She says this results in fewer distractions and cravings during the school day.
Regarding the lactose intolerance issue, few people may be aware that whole milk is lower in lactose, making it easier for individuals with lactose intolerance to digest compared to low-fat or no-fat dairy.
So far, the online petition has over 5,100 signatures, about halfway to the goal of 10,000. The link to the petition can be found on the website www.97milk.com.
The campaign has resulted in legislation being introduced in Congress, H.R. 832 by U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), that would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to serve flavored and unflavored whole milk.
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