Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C,I-Lyons) attended a press conference today alongside the host, Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie). House Minority Chair Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski), Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C,I-Greece) and other members of the Senate and Assembly Minorities also joined to advocate for returning whole milk and 2% milk options back into New York state school cafeterias (A. 9990).

The sale of whole and 2% milk was restricted by the federal government as an initiative to prevent childhood obesity and diabetes, however, these concerns have continued to rapidly increase despite the choice of milk offered in schools. Recently, dietitians and other health experts have argued that whole and 2% milk should not be a concern compared to skim and 1% milk, which have been proven to be less healthy. Farmers across the state have voiced their concerns as their revenue from milk sales to schools has decreased since this change was made, causing major losses to their businesses.

“The health of our children needs to be a top priority. Though the problem does not start with schools offering whole and 2% milk, it starts with what types of food are offered at lunchtime and the energy drinks sold in the vending machines that students have full access to each day. The nutrients needed for our growing children are in whole and 2% milk, not skim or 1% milk. Farmers are already hurting from inflation and will soon suffer even more with the changes made to the overtime threshold,” said Manktelow. “Listen to our pleading farmers. Listen to the experts. Bring whole and 2% milk back into our schools.”