Minnesota House Bill HF1682

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/23
• Refer: 2/13/23

Caption

Minnesota schools authorized to serve two percent and whole milk to kindergarten students as part of state-sponsored school milk program, commissioners of education and agriculture required to report to legislature on additional milk options for participants in national school meals programs, funding increased for kindergarten milk program, and money appropriated.

Impact

If enacted, HF1682 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 124D.118, effectively expanding the types of milk that can be served as part of school meals and increasing funding for the kindergarten milk program. It includes provisions for participating districts to receive reimbursement for milk provided to their kindergarten students. This move is expected to promote better health among children, as whole and two percent milk contain vital nutrients beneficial for their development.

Summary

House File 1682 aims to enhance the nutritional offerings for kindergarten students in Minnesota public and nonpublic schools by authorizing the inclusion of whole and two percent milk in the state-sponsored school milk program. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing at least one serving of milk daily, as the legislature has found this beneficial for the health and well-being of young children. The bill proposes to significantly increase support for the kindergarten milk program while also directing the relevant commissioners to prepare a report on additional milk options available under national school meals programs.

Contention

While the bill generally promotes positive health outcomes for kindergarten students, there may be contention surrounding the appropriateness of the milk options sanctioned. Some advocates for children's health and nutrition may argue that the focus should be on plant-based alternatives or low-fat options to comply with current dietary guidelines. Additionally, the financial implications of increased funding for the program could lead to discussions regarding budgeting and allocation of resources among educational programs within the state.