BILL NUMBER: S7005

SPONSOR: JORDAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring public
schools to provide a flavored milk option at scheduled meal periods

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the education law by adding a new section 915-a which
requires that New York State public schools offer at least one flavored
milk option during scheduled meal periods.

Section 2 sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Studies over the last decade have shown conclusively that consuming
flavored milk offers a significant benefit to children and especially
school-aged children. Research has shown that students who consume
              

flavored milk drink fewer soft drinks, have better exposure to calcium
and other nutrients, and have a lower body mass index than non-milk
drinkers. The reason for this is simple; milk is extremely beneficial
for the developing bodies of children. Not all school children enjoy
plain milk but will happily consume flavored milk, and this effect is
extremely beneficial from the public health point of view.

Despite the clear health benefits associated with flavored milk in
schools, some municipalities have proposed doing away with chocolate
milk in their schools citing a desire to reduce sugar intake.  However,
school chocolate milk has only eight more grams of sugar than skim milk
according to reporting by NBC New York.  Dieticians - including one
cited in the article - have made the point that the health benefits that
flavored milk options provide far outweigh the minimal sugar increase
they include. Consequently, well-intended local efforts to restrict milk
choice will actually have a negative impact on the health and growth of
the children of our State.

This bill ensures that children across New York State have access to at
least one flavored milk option, ensuring they have access to the bene-
fits provided by milk.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
First of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become
law.