Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Ms. HOYLE of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, last week, I voted in favor of H.R. 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools the option of serving whole and 2% unflavored and flavored milk.

Under current federal regulations, schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can only serve low-fat or fat-free milk. H.R. 1147 would amend current regulations to allow schools to offer a wider range of dairy milk options, helping to ensure that students have freedom of choice. It would also help reduce the likelihood of students throwing out milk and missing out on beneficial nutrients.

While I supported H.R. 1147, it was not perfect. I believe this legislation should have included options for children who cannot or choose not to drink dairy milk due to dietary, religious or personal reasons. Unfortunately, House Republican leadership did not allow for any amendments to be considered that would have extended freedom of choice for non-dairy beverage options.

That's why I'm a cosponsor of H.R. 1619, the Addressing Digestive Distress in Stomachs of Our Youth (ADD SOY) Act, which would require schools to provide non-dairy beverage substitutes upon request of a student or parent/guardian and allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reimburse schools for providing non-dairy options. This issue is especially important for students who experience lactose intolerance, which disproportionately affects communities of color.

Should the Senate take up H.R. 1147, I urge them to include the ADD SOY Act or similar provisions to allow for non-dairy options and broader freedom of choice for students. H.R. 1147 takes an important first step, but we must ensure that freedom of choice applies to all.

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