H.R. 4742: Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act

This bill, titled the "Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act" or the "GIVE MILK Act," aims to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. The primary focus of the bill is to provide participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) with the option to select different types of milk.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Variety of Milk Options: The bill allows individuals participating in the WIC program, or their parents or guardians, to choose from a variety of milk options including whole milk, reduced fat milk, low-fat milk, and nonfat milk. Previously, WIC participants had limited options for the type of milk provided to them.
• Regulatory Updates: The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with updating current regulations to incorporate these new choices into the WIC program. This includes revising specific provisions outlined in federal regulations.

Background Context

The bill acknowledges that many children in the U.S. do not consume enough dairy products, which are important sources of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Studies have shown that dairy can contribute positively to health outcomes, including bone health and reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Professional dietary recommendations endorse whole milk for children aged one to two and suggest low-fat or nonfat milk for children over two, while caution against plant-based milk for young children.

Goals of the Legislation

The main goals of the legislation are:

• To promote better nutrition among children participating in the WIC program.
• To align WIC provisions with recent nutritional research and recommendations regarding milk intake for children.
• To increase flexibility and choice for families in selecting milk options that best suit their dietary needs.

Potential Impact

By allowing WIC participants to choose the type of milk they receive, the bill aims to enhance the nutritional value of the diets of children and help ensure that they receive adequate dairy intake.

Relevant Companies

• Dairy Farmers of America (DFA): As a major dairy cooperative, DFA could see increased demand for various types of milk products if WIC participants are encouraged to select whole or reduced fat milk instead of nonfat options.
• PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP): PepsiCo, which owns brands like Tropicana and Quaker, may be indirectly affected as it competes in the beverage market that includes milk products.
• Bunge Limited (BG): Bunge produces ingredients for various food products, and changes in dairy consumption patterns could impact the demand for dairy-based ingredients they supply.