PMMB lauds Sen. Toomey for introducing MILK Act

MILK Act would change rules to exclude milk fat from cap on saturated fat in school lunches

The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board thanks U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., for introducing the Milk in Lunches for Kids Act. The MILK Act allows schools to serve whole milk and 2 percent milk. The MILK Act also requires the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to revise regulations to exclude milk fat from the cap on saturated fat in school lunches.

During its current review of dairy market issues, the board has received several comments from Pennsylvania farmers and consumers supporting the reintroduction of whole milk to schools. These farmers and consumers recognize the health benefits of milk in the diets of students while noting that the current limited options for milk in schools seem to be adversely impacting children’s milk consumption.

“The board recognizes the health benefits to children of whole milk and other milk products and stands ready to support this important legislation,” said Consumer Member Carol Hardbarger. “We believe that changing the current school nutrition guidelines will be beneficial to all Pennsylvania youth and will also positively impact the dairy industry.”