Why might the Biden administration ban a beloved school tradition?

Is Flavored Milk in School Lunches on the Chopping Block?

The Biden administration is considering a ban on flavored milk in school lunches, according to the Wall Street Journal. This would mean the end of chocolate milk in lunches, as well as strawberry and other flavors.

The Health Perspective

Experts say that flavored milks create a preference for sugary drinks, which fuel childhood obesity and poor diets later in life. “From a public-health perspective, it makes a lot of sense to try to limit the servings of these flavored milks because they do have quite a lot of added sugar,” says Erica Lauren Kenney of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.

The Debate

While some parents and dairy industry advocates argue that a ban would prevent children from receiving the health benefits of milk, others warn that students will opt out of milk entirely if they don’t have the option of consuming it as a sugary treat. “Do we want kids to get the calcium, the protein, the additional nutrients that are part of milk?” says Jessica Gould, the nutrition director for the Littleton, Colorado, school district.

However, it’s important to note that one proposed school meal regulation would limit the content of sugars in the flavored milks. Another would restrict it to certain grade levels, potentially barring chocolate milk from elementary and middle school.

The Bottom Line

America’s childhood obesity problem is among the worst in the world. Nearly 20 percent of American children qualify as obese, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics. The debate over flavored milk in school lunches is just one part of the larger conversation about how to address this issue.

What You Can Do

If you’re concerned about the health of our children, there are steps you can take to make a difference. Consider reaching out to your local school district to voice your opinion on the matter. You can also encourage your children to choose plain milk over flavored options, and make sure they’re getting plenty of exercise and a balanced diet at home.

The Benefits of Plain Milk

Plain milk is a great source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients that growing children need. By encouraging them to choose plain milk over flavored options, you’re helping to set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Take Action Today

• Contact your local school district to voice your opinion on the matter
• Encourage your children to choose plain milk over flavored options
• Make sure your children are getting plenty of exercise and a balanced diet at home

Together, we can make a difference in the health of our children and future generations.