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On Monday, April 24th, a committee within the State Assembly voted to deny a full-floor vote for school districts throughout the state to purchase certain New York milks, those being 2% and Whole Milk.
The proposal was to amend the education law by adding a new section 915-a. The amendment would define “New York milk,” “reduced fat New York milk, and “whole New York milk.” This would permit school boards across the state to then obtain whole milk or reduced fat milk to provide/sell at school.
It would also require the Attorney general to bring civil action against the federal government or other entity that withheld or revoked funds from schools who were selling whole New York milk or reduced fat milk.
The proposed law noted that whole milk is a healthy, nutritious, and arguably essential option for the developing bodies of children, while being 97% fat free.
“Despite its health benefits, whole milk is currently prohibited from being served in schools due to a federal restriction put in place over ten years ago to lower childhood obesity and diabetes rates. While the policy was well-intentioned at the time, over the last decade, we have witnessed these rates continue to rise and have learned that the restriction could even be exacerbating the problem.” the proposal stated in the justification.
The final tally was 51/94 in rejection for the full assembly vote to permit schools within the state to purchase reduced fat or whole New York.
“Not only would this have been a boon to our state’s dairy farmers but to our school children, who studies have shown greatly benefit from drinking whole and 2% milk that is loaded with essential fats, vitamins and nutrients,” Assemblyman John Lemondes (R-LaFayette) said.
