By Ixepop @Adobe Stock
Got Milk?
Amongst the bad news rippling through our Christmas cheer is some good news. Lawmakers this week are finally trying to repair the damage from a misguided attempt to improve childhood nutrition, reports James Freeman in the WSJ.
Who says science doesn’t ultimately prevail over politics? It’s taking far too long, but the unintended consequences of a Beltway effort to change the menus in school cafeterias may finally be coming to an end.
From the state of Washington, Rep. Kim Schrier (D), aka Dr. Schrier (pediatrician):
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), by a vote of 330-99. This bipartisan legislation aims to improve the quality and nutrition of school lunches by allowing for reduced fat (2%) and whole milk to be served in public schools. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this bill by Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.
Whole milk has been prohibited in school lunches for over a decade due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. That bill changed nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program and mandated that flavored milk be fat-free and traditional milk be, at most, 1% fat. Since the bill was enacted and whole milk was banned from school lunches, per capita milk consumption among children has steadily declined…
“As a pediatrician, I have spent my career dedicated to the well-being of children and I know how important adequate nutrition is for growing kids,” said Rep. Schrier. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth, improved academic performance, and a strong foundation for healthy eating habits as an adult. Milk, which provides essential calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D, is an essential part of that diet. Whole milk is a filling, nutritious option that will help ensure that our children are well-fed and healthy.”
“Kudos” praises Mr. Freeman, “to the big bipartisan House majority that has acted to permit America’s youngsters to have access once again to healthy sustenance that they are actually willing to consume.”
Federal policy should never stand in opposition to growing kids with strong bones, and let’s hope that senators will now act quickly to enable healthier students.
As for the law that created this mistake, yes, it was signed by President Barack Obama …
and yes, during his two terms he created more than his share of unintended consequences. But in this case he seems to have been under unusual pressure to back the legislation. Here’s an excerpt from the transcript of the signing ceremony for the so-called Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act:
From President Barack Obama:
… So now I am — now I am very proud to introduce somebody who’s done so much to shine a light on these critical issues related to childhood nutrition and obesity and exercise: America’s First Lady, my First Lady, Michelle Obama. (Applause.)
Michelle Obama spearheaded the legislation that spurred this round of unintended consequences. Rumor had it, that the lunches were so unappealing, students trashed them.
From Mrs. Obama:
And thank you, Mr. President — (laughter) — for that very kind introduction. And all kidding aside, my husband worked very hard to make sure that this bill was a priority in this session. And I am grateful to you.
Unintended Consequences
There was more chuckling and bantering during the signing ceremony. But as Mr. Freeman notes: The results have not been quite as funny.
It’s a cautionary tale about central planning and the road to chefdom.
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