NYC Schools Resist Trump's Push for Whole Milk Amid Ongoing Health Concerns
The US government has taken steps to make school milk whole again, with President Donald Trump signing legislation reversing an Obama-era ban on full-fat milk at schools funded through the federal lunch program. However, New York City's public schools are sticking with 1% and skim milk, citing evidence-based nutrition guidance and a desire to prioritize student health.
According to officials from the city's Department of Education, their breakfast and lunch service is grounded in research-based recommendations, with regular student feedback playing a key role in shaping menu options. Isla Gething, spokesperson for the department, stated that "Our universally free breakfast and lunch service — relied on by students across the city — is grounded in research-based nutrition guidance, coupled with regular student-led tasting and feedback."
The federal government's decision to allow whole milk back on school menus was championed by the National Milk Producers Federation and ties into the Trump administration's broader "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. The new law also requires that plant-based alternatives be available for students who have a doctor's or guardian's request.
While some parents, like Eva Bogaisky from Brooklyn, are in favor of whole milk returning to school menus, others, including Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams, have expressed concerns about the added sugar content in chocolate milk. Koch, an associate professor at Columbia University, noted that studies on the benefits of whole versus skim milk have been mixed, but added that "it's good to stick with 1% and nonfat milk given the amount of saturated fat and ultraprocessed foods in most Americans' diets."
As a result, New York City is unlikely to make any changes to its current milk offerings. The city has historically had strong reactions from parents and politicians over school food policies, with some lawmakers even introducing bills to ban flavored or unflavored milk options.
The US government has taken steps to make school milk whole again, with President Donald Trump signing legislation reversing an Obama-era ban on full-fat milk at schools funded through the federal lunch program. However, New York City's public schools are sticking with 1% and skim milk, citing evidence-based nutrition guidance and a desire to prioritize student health.
According to officials from the city's Department of Education, their breakfast and lunch service is grounded in research-based recommendations, with regular student feedback playing a key role in shaping menu options. Isla Gething, spokesperson for the department, stated that "Our universally free breakfast and lunch service — relied on by students across the city — is grounded in research-based nutrition guidance, coupled with regular student-led tasting and feedback."
The federal government's decision to allow whole milk back on school menus was championed by the National Milk Producers Federation and ties into the Trump administration's broader "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. The new law also requires that plant-based alternatives be available for students who have a doctor's or guardian's request.
While some parents, like Eva Bogaisky from Brooklyn, are in favor of whole milk returning to school menus, others, including Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams, have expressed concerns about the added sugar content in chocolate milk. Koch, an associate professor at Columbia University, noted that studies on the benefits of whole versus skim milk have been mixed, but added that "it's good to stick with 1% and nonfat milk given the amount of saturated fat and ultraprocessed foods in most Americans' diets."
As a result, New York City is unlikely to make any changes to its current milk offerings. The city has historically had strong reactions from parents and politicians over school food policies, with some lawmakers even introducing bills to ban flavored or unflavored milk options.
I mean, can't we just stick with what works? NYC's schools have been serving 1% and skim milk for a reason - it's based on science! Adding whole milk back into the mix might be a step forward, but let's not forget about all the added sugar in chocolate milk 
I'm glad they're prioritizing student health over parents' wishes. And can we talk about how weird it is that some politicians are introducing bills to ban flavored or unflavored milk options? Like, what's next? 
. All that added sugar in whole milk is a no-go for me, I mean, have you seen the amount of sugary drinks we consume already? 
It's like, do we really need to add more sugar to our kids' breakfasts? Not to mention, the research on whole milk vs skim milk has been kinda sketchy, know what I mean? 
As a parent myself, it's all about making informed choices for my own kid, and if NYC schools are sticking with 1% and skim milk, that's fine by me 
. Plus, it's not like they're depriving kids of something essential, it's just being cautious 
. I'm all for the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, but let's be real, it's about more than just adding whole milk back to school menus 
. Plus, with all the processed foods we have out there, giving kids more whole grain options like oatmeal or brown rice is a no-brainer 
. I guess the feds think they know best but NYC schools are just trying to protect their students' health 
.
They're not going to mess around with adding whole milk just because Trump says so 
I mean, we know that saturated fat and added sugars can be major health concerns for kids. It's all about prioritizing their well-being, you know? 
And let's be real, most schools already have skim or 1% milk available, so it's not like they're depriving anyone of a choice 
. Don't wanna be that school with kids who can't even handle full-fat milk 
. Guess some states are more chill about it tho 
. And let's be real, most kids in NYC probably aren't exactly swimming in sat fat and ultra-processed foods anyway 
.
. And honestly, 1% and skim milk is where it's at - those schools are thinking about the long-term health benefits for their students 
. NYC schools have always been on top of things when it comes to school food, so I trust they'll keep it that way 
The whole "Make America Healthy Again" thing sounds like just an excuse to sell more milk to farmers. And have you seen the amount of sugar in some of those plant-based milks? It's crazy! I'm all for making healthy choices, but this is just a step back in the right direction.
so why can't they make an exception? the gov is always trying 2 push their own agendas but u gotta respect the cities decisions 