Whole Milk debate heats up

The “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act” aims to allow schools to offer whole and 2% milk alongside low-fat options, a significant shift from the current restrictions. Proponents argue that whole milk provides essential nutrients and has unique health benefits, with Amy Winters, executive director of the Wisconsin Dairy Foods Association, stating, “Expanding the availability of all milk options… will help ensure more children receive the essential nutrients dairy provides.” However, opponents caution that whole milk’s high saturated fat content could pose health risks, with Erin Ogden from the Center for Science in the Public Interest emphasizing that fat-free and low-fat milk can provide the same nutrients without the added saturated fat. The bill recently passed a U.S. House committee and is set for a full House vote.