Over the years diabetes and obesity rates have been increasing among American youths (Fryar et al.), (Centers for Disease Control). One thing that can contribute to this is a high consumption of sugar, of which chocolate milk has 22 grams of (Sodexo). School boards should remove chocolate milk from the menu of school cafeterias because doing so will help model healthy food standards, and lower sugar intake, which will help to lower the risk of diabetes and obesity. Some have worried that doing this will reduce milk consumption, but this has been disproved.

Firstly, chocolate milk should not be made available by school boards in school cafeterias because it models healthy food standards. School lunches should set a good example to kids for what is healthy. In the article, “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” which was released by the US government, it says, “Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.” (“2015-2020 Dietary Guideline for Americans”). This states that, among other things, added sugars should be avoided when possible. The school board should remove chocolate milk from the menu of the school cafeteria because doing so will help model healthy food standards and follow government issued guidelines. 

More reasoning for the removal of chocolate milk from school cafeterias by school boards is because it will lower the risk of diabetes. Studies have found links between higher sugar consumption and type 2 diabetes. According to a report from the United States Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “Strong evidence shows that higher consumption of added sugars, especially sugar-sweetened beverages, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes among adults and this relationship is not fully explained by body weight.” (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion).This states that sugary drinks are linked to diabetes. Cafeterias shouldn’t have chocolate milk because sugary drinks are linked to diabetes.

Another argument for the removal of chocolate milk by school boards is because sugary drinks can increase risk of obesity. As stated by the World Health Organization, “Sugary drinks contain high amounts of calories, offering energy without any feeling of fullness or nutritional value (known as “empty calories”). The more sugary drinks they consume, the higher the risk of a child being overweight or obese.” (World Health Organization). Chocolate milk should not be served in cafeterias by school boards because it will help lower obesity rates.

One reason to not remove chocolate milk from school cafeterias is that it may decrease the amount of milk consumed by students, despite this, the benefits far outweigh the cost. Though milk consumption dropped slightly,  As stated in a study “The proportion of students selecting milk declined 13.6%, from 89.5% pre-policy to 75.9% post-policy” (Thompson). But it is later stated in the same study that, “Despite a slight (<1 oz) decrease in student milk consumption across the population after the policy was passed, student intake of milk’s key nutrients (calcium, protein, and vitamin D) at the population level was not reduced. Furthermore, students’ consumption of added sugar from milk declined significantly” (Thompson). These findings suggest that policies removing chocolate milk from school meals could improve dietary intake and health among urban secondary school students.” (Thompson). This shows that despite a decrease in milk intake, students were not deprived of any key nutrients supplied by milk, and added sugar intake also decreased.

Finally, school boards should remove chocolate milk from the menu of school cafeterias. Doing so will help model healthy food standards and follow government guidelines.  It will also lower sugar intake, which will help to lower the risk of diabetes. This will also help lower obesity rates. The argument against removing chocolate has no strong evidence to support it. In conclusion, removing chocolate milk from the school menu will be a good first step towards healthier eating habits and healthier kids.

Works Cited List

Centers for Disease Control. “Rates of New Diagnosed Cases of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Continue to Rise Among Children, Teens.” CDC, 11 February 2020, cdc.gov/diabetes/research/reports/children-diabetes-rates-rise.html. Accessed 12 May 2022.

Fryar, Cheryl D., et al. “Products - Health E Stats - Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Severe Obesity Among Children and Adolescents Aged 2–19 Years: United States, 1963–1965 Through 2017–2018.” CDC, 29 January 2021, cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity-child-17-18/obesity-child.htm#table1. Accessed 12 May 2022.

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Appendix E-2.45 Evidence Portfolio.” Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 29 December 2020, health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines/previous-dietary-guidelines/2015/advisory-report/appendix-e-2/appendix-e-245. Accessed 11 May 2022.

Thompson, Hannah R. “Effect of Removing Chocolate Milk on Milk and Nutrient Intake Among Urban Secondary School Students.” CDC, 27 August 2020, cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0033.htm. Accessed 30 March 2022.

“2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, December 2015, dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/2015-2020_Dietary_Guidelines.pdf. Accessed 30 March 2022.

World Health Organization. “Be smart drink water : a guide for school principals in restricting the sale and marketing of sugary drinks in and around schools.” World Health Organization, 17 May 2016, who.int/publications/i/item/be-smart-drink-water. Accessed 30 March 2022.