WASHINGTON — The push by parties within the United States dairy industry to reinstate whole and 2% milk in schools took another step April 1, when the US Senate Agriculture Committee heard from lawmakers, nutrition experts and school officials about the benefits of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) noted that the bipartisan bill would allow schools to offer whole and reduced-fat milk options to the 30 million-plus students who rely on school breakfasts and lunches.

In February, the US House Education and Workforce Committee approved the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act with a 24-10 vote. The bill currently awaits passage in Congress.

An advocate for the concepts put forth in the bill for years, IDFA shared that federal regulations have for more than a decade only allowed fat-free and low-fat milk in schools. The trade association, citing the 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, pointed out that between 68% and 94% of school-aged children are failing to meet the recommended levels of dairy intake – meaning they are missing out on essential nutrients during developmental years.

IDFA president and chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the hearing showed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has support across party lines, as well as among parents, nutritionists and school meals professionals.

“It’s time for Congress to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and bring whole and 2% milk back to schools,” Dykes said.

Dr. Keith Ayoob, associate professor emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, provided testimony during the legislative hearing and said: “A plethora of scientific literature demonstrates that consumption of cow’s milk provides children with better bone health, a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, and a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.”

Countering critics of the bill who bring up concerns about saturated fat and obesity, Ayoob said saturated fat doesn’t exist in isolation in foods.

“In dairy, it is bound to protein, occurring in a ‘dairy protein-fat matrix,’” he explained. “In this form, the body appears to handle it differently — it may not increase bad cholesterol and can even reduce the harmful part of it.” 

Regarding obesity, Ayoob said research shows that people who consume whole milk are no more likely to be overweight or obese.

“In terms of other health risks, higher dairy consumption, irrespective of dairy fat content, has been associated with lower risk for insulin resistance syndrome [the conditions leading to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure],” he said.