USDA has issued a final rule implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act that was signed into law in January. This will give schools the opportunity to serve whole and 2% milk–in addition to the 1%, fat-free and flavored varieties already offered–during both breakfast and lunch for the first time since 2012, when federal rules removed them.
“Offering whole and 2% milk in schools helps students meet recommended daily values for many essential nutrients. It’s logistically challenging for schools to offer this milk for lunches but not for other meals, which weakens the benefits that whole and 2% milk provide,” said National Milk Producers Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Doud.
Whole milk and other dairy products provide essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and vitamins A, D and B12. Whole milk is especially important for young children ages 1 to 10 to support energy needs and brain development.
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