HR 4742
Give milk act
Give Milk Act
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Bill overview
This bill, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act (GIVE MILK Act), amends the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow participants and their guardians to choose between nonfat, low-fat, reduced-fat, or whole milk. Currently, WIC regulations limit milk choices for many children to nonfat or 1% milk. The bill aims to increase dairy consumption among children by offering a wider variety of milk options, aligning with expert recommendations for optimal nutrition.
Key provisions
- Allows WIC participants to elect the type of milk they receive (nonfat, low-fat, reduced-fat, or whole milk).
- Modifies Section 17(f) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to include this milk election option.
- Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to revise WIC regulations to reflect the new milk options.
- Recognizes the importance of dairy as a source of essential nutrients, particularly calcium, vitamin D, and potassium.
- Supports the recommendation of whole milk for children aged 12-24 months.
- Aligns with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans regarding dairy servings.
- Acknowledges expert consensus on the benefits of dairy for childhood development.
Who is affected
- Women, infants, and children participating in the WIC program
- Parents and guardians of WIC participants
Notable changes
- Expands milk choices available to WIC recipients beyond nonfat and 1% milk.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 4742
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to allow certain participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children to elect to be issued a variety of types of milk, including whole milk, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act GIVE MILK Act
or the
.
Congress finds the following:
Dairy foods are associated with improved bone health, a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a beneficial or neutral effect on blood pressure, and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
skim and low-fat milk are recommended for young children;
plant-based, non-dairy milks are not recommended for young children; and
an expert panel under the study recognized that there has been recent research and discussion regarding the role of dairy fat in healthy dietary patterns but in the absence of clear evidence justifying a departure from current recommendations, such expert panel chose to remain consistent with current guidance recommending whole milk for most children ages 12–24 months and fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1 percent) milk for children ages 2 years and older.
1.5 to 2 servings for 12 to 23 months; and
2 to 2.5 servings for 2 to 4 years.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of an individual participating in the program authorized by this section who is issued milk by the Secretary, such individual (or the parent or guardian of such individual) may elect to be issued nonfat milk, low-fat milk, reduced fat milk, or whole milk.
The Secretary shall issue the type of milk elected by an individual under subparagraph (A) to such individual.