Chocolate milk has long been a staple in school cafeterias, offering a deliciously sweet and nutritious option for students. The Biden Administration along with the USDA is proposing a ban on freely accessible chocolate milk for students K - 8th grade, jeopardizing an important source of vital nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin D that are critical for the growth and development of young minds and bodies.
According to a recent analysis of the USDA’s School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, data found that flavored milk is the leading source of added sugars in both the school lunch and breakfast programs, contributing almost half of the added sugars in lunches and about 30% of the added sugars in breakfasts.
The USDA is proposing 2 alternatives for the milk standard:
Alternative 1:
Beginning in the school year 2025-26, allow flavored milk (fat-free and low-fat) at school lunch and breakfast for high school children (grades 9-12) only. Elementary and middle school children (grades K-8) would be limited to fat-free and/or low-fat unflavored milk. Added sugars in flavored milk would be limited.
**The USDA is requesting public comments on whether they should include children in grades 6-8 and allow flavored milk to be an option.
Alternative 2:
Maintain the current standard, which allows all school grades to offer fat-free and low-fat milk, flavored and unflavored, at school lunch and breakfast. Added sugars in flavored milk would be limited.
Our Opinion:
Out of all of the issues the Biden Administration has on its plate, no pun intended, a beverage that is full of rich nutrients, supports bone growth and development, and kids enjoy drinking, should be at the very bottom of their list.
