New York City Schools to Stick with 1% Milk Amid Trump's Push for Whole Milk
The Trump administration has unveiled plans to reverse an Obama-era ban on whole milk in schools, but New York City's public schools are refusing to budge. The city's Department of Education announced that it will not change its current milk offerings, which are limited to 1% and skim milk.
According to spokesperson Isla Gething, the decision is based on research-based nutrition guidance and student feedback. "Our universally free breakfast and lunch service is grounded in science," she said. "We're committed to providing healthy options that our students will actually drink."
The new law signed by President Trump requires schools to offer whole milk as an option, while also mandating a plant-based alternative be available upon request. However, it's unclear whether this change will affect New York City schools.
Despite the federal government's push for whole milk, many experts argue that the current 1% and skim options are sufficient. Pam Koch, associate professor of nutrition and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, said there is no strong evidence to support going back on the long-standing practice of offering only low-fat or non-fat milk.
While some parents, like Eva Bogaisky from Brooklyn, have expressed a desire for whole milk, others remain opposed. In 2019, former mayor Eric Adams banned chocolate milk from schools, citing its high sugar content. However, he has since reconsidered the policy and now advocates for reducing added sugars in school meals.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether New York City schools will change their milk offerings to comply with the new law. One thing is certain, however: the push for whole milk has sparked a contentious conversation about nutrition and childhood health.
The Trump administration has unveiled plans to reverse an Obama-era ban on whole milk in schools, but New York City's public schools are refusing to budge. The city's Department of Education announced that it will not change its current milk offerings, which are limited to 1% and skim milk.
According to spokesperson Isla Gething, the decision is based on research-based nutrition guidance and student feedback. "Our universally free breakfast and lunch service is grounded in science," she said. "We're committed to providing healthy options that our students will actually drink."
The new law signed by President Trump requires schools to offer whole milk as an option, while also mandating a plant-based alternative be available upon request. However, it's unclear whether this change will affect New York City schools.
Despite the federal government's push for whole milk, many experts argue that the current 1% and skim options are sufficient. Pam Koch, associate professor of nutrition and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, said there is no strong evidence to support going back on the long-standing practice of offering only low-fat or non-fat milk.
While some parents, like Eva Bogaisky from Brooklyn, have expressed a desire for whole milk, others remain opposed. In 2019, former mayor Eric Adams banned chocolate milk from schools, citing its high sugar content. However, he has since reconsidered the policy and now advocates for reducing added sugars in school meals.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether New York City schools will change their milk offerings to comply with the new law. One thing is certain, however: the push for whole milk has sparked a contentious conversation about nutrition and childhood health.
. I mean, we all know that kids are constantly on-the-go, and adding more sugar to their diet isn't gonna do them any favors. Plus, research has shown that low-fat or non-fat milk is just as nutritious as whole milk, but without the excess calories. And let's be real, who needs all that extra fat when you're trying to focus on learning? 
. I get it, we want what's best for our kids, but sometimes less is more. And honestly, having a plant-based alternative available upon request seems like a win-win to me. It's all about finding that balance between nutrition and taste.
. If the kids aren't drinking it up, then why bother? It's all about making informed decisions based on science and research, not just politics. And at the end of the day, that's what matters most – our kids' health and well-being 
. And what's the big deal about whole milk? It's just a little more saturated fat. Is it really worth changing our school meal program? Plus, we're already doing everything else right - free breakfast and lunch, healthy options... I'm not convinced this change is needed 
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. I mean, come on, 1% milk is good enough for me! My kid is still growing, they don't need all that extra fat from the whole milk. Plus, have you seen the sugar content in chocolate milk? No thank you! 
anyway dont get me wrong whole milk prob has its perks but i mean 1% & skim is def sufficient im glad we got parents like eric adams advocating for reduced sugars in school meals gotta keep those kiddos healthy & full of energy 
. I'm not sure why people are making such a big deal out of whole milk - isn't the goal to keep kids from drinking too much sugar anyway? 
It's all about balance, right? Maybe we should be lookin' at the bigger picture here & not just focus on one thing like milk.
. The Trump admin is just trying to stir up drama and it's not working. Plus, the science is on the side of low-fat or non-fat milk. I'm good with that 
. and what about the sugar content in chocolate milk? didnt we just learn that wasnt good for us either 
. Maybe they should just let the schools decide what works best for them? 
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kids might love chocolate milk (or whole milk) but their bodies don't always agree 
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they say its grounded in science but whats good 4 u?