Maine’s senators deserve praise for milk legislation | Letter

Following a concerted, multi-year campaign to end federal rules forcing schools to place milk on students’ trays, even when they could not safely consume it, the recent passage of legislation ([S. 222 – The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/222)) in Congress has ended the 80-year-long federal school “milk mandate.” Both Maine senators served as co-sponsors. As approved, S. 222 expands the availability of plant-based milk in the National School Lunch program — such as soy, oat or almond milk, as part of their regular cafeteria offerings — and requires schools to provide a nutritionally sound, non-dairy beverage to lactose-intolerant students with a note from a parent, guardian or licensed physician. Schools may also offer whole, 2%, 1% or no-fat milk.  According to USDA data, [nearly 30%](https://thecounter.org/milk-carton-dispenser-food-waste-usda-school-lunch-nslp-oregon-washington-olympia-vancouver/) of milk cartons were discarded each year, resulting in massive waste of milk, taxpayer dollars and disregard for the labor cows endure in production. This legislation represents a huge win for the welfare of dairy cows, ending a decades-long government policy subjecting millions of cows to intensive, high-output production systems designed to meet government-driven volume rather than actual consumption.  **Gina Garey** _Maine state director, Animal Wellness Action Portland_ Copy the Story Link Tagged: [letter to.... --- *Note: This is a summarized excerpt. Click the source link above to read the full story.*