Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,C-New Hartford) is pushing for the passage of bill (A.2321), introduced by Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie),which would allow schools to purchase whole milk and 2% milk, that has been processed from New York State Farms. The federal government said whole milk was a leading cause of childhood obesity and eventually banned it in schools. However, since the whole milk ban, there has been no measurable improvement in childhood obesity rates, and instead, there are now studies indicating whole and 2% milk are positive contributors to good childhood health and nutrition.

“Health comes from having a varied and diverse diet. Whole and 2% milk have the protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats needed for a child to grow and thrive. Allowing schools to purchase whole and 2% milk that has been processed from New York dairy farms is a win-win situation for our New York farms, New York dairy processors, and children across New York state. I consider this a crucial investment in the health of our students and encourage my colleagues to vote yes on this bill,” said Miller, who sits on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture.

Often misunderstood, whole milk is actually 97% fat-free and offers 13 essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fats critical to growing healthy bodies in children. Recent studies show whole and 2% milk contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, increased satiation without causing weight gain and improved sleep in children.