In 2023, the USDA has proposed the idea of eliminating chocolate milk from being sold in schools across the United States.
There is a controversial subject circling through the school system about the potential ban of chocolate and strawberry milk being banned throughout schools across the United Staes.
The USDA has proposed the idea of limiting the milk access in high schools and banning it all together in elementary and middle school all due to the rising levels of obesity within the U.S. in children aged six through eighteen.
Students within the high school have strong opinions against this proposal. Kailey Woods (11) says, “I think it’s stupid. Kids are going to drink sugary drinks anyways so what’s the point?”
Others argue that banning milk would actually be detrimental to children’s health, seeing as kids would no longer drink plain milk, therefore lacking their daily intake of calcium.
There is no argument against the fact that chocolate and strawberry milk have a high sugar intake, the question is why now? Why is now the time to eliminate it when it has been available in schools for as long as people can remember.
Chloe Muscaro (11) says, “I drink 2 chocolate milks every lunch. I don’t have any health problems, so I don’t understand the issue.”
Chloe is not alone in her statement. There are many other healthy students who do not understand why the potential ban is even in the conversation.
There is no definite ban yet, as the USDA said it expects to issue a final rule in time for schools to plan for school year 2024-25, so until then, enjoy the chocolate and strawberry milk!