REGION – Whole and two percent milk haven’t been allowed in schools since 2012, but now the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has passed both the House and the Senate and is headed to President Trump for signing. Co-sponsored by Rep. Josh Riley, the bill is seen as a way to bring whole milk options to schools and to support dairy farmers. 

“In Upstate New York, our dairy farmers are the backbone of our economy,” said Riley. “I am committed to doing everything I can to connect them with our local schools and communities. I am happy to see it pass the Senate and the House. Now, it’s time to send this bill to the President’s desk and deliver for Upstate’s dairy industry and students.”

According to the National Milk Producers Federation, whole and 2% milk were removed from school menus in 2012 under nutrition rules focused on cutting fat. Since then, updated research has shown that milk at all fat levels has a “neutral or positive effect” on children’s health. 

The dairy industry is one of New York’s largest contributors to the agricultural economy. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Dairy statistics, there are nearly 3,000 dairy farms in New York that produce over 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state.

Senator Chuck Schumer also backed the bill, calling it “critical” and highlighting his support of dairy farmers.

“Milk is one of the best and healthiest options to give students the nutrition they need to learn and grow, and it has been restricted in our schools, hurting Upstate dairy farmers, for far too long. That’s why I was proud to stand with Upstate NY dairy farmers to call on the House to get the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed once and for all,” Schumer said.

Tom Bose, Supervisor for the Town of Callicoon and a lifelong dairy farmer, said he and other farmers have been advocating for years in New York State to bring back whole milk to schools. 

He is elated to see this act go through for passage. 

“Whole milk never should have been taken out—at least give kids the choice,” he said.

While the change may not affect Sullivan County farms, Bose said the benefits will reach broadly. 

“It will increase milk consumption, which we think will lead to an uptick in the price we receive for [selling milk],” he said. 

And beyond that, the great benefit is the health impact for students, Bose says. “This will restore for our children the nutritional value from drinking whole milk,” he said.