July 31 deadline: Ask USDA to give schoolchildren alternatives to dairy

[Guest guest]

This is work we need to be doing

Traci Thomas <bvsga wrote: > Cross-posted from another list; please

send them a quick note (especially if

> you're a parent!). And cross-post to other animal-friendly lists as well.

> Thanks!

>

> LETTER: 7/31 Deadline: Ask USDA to Make Alternatives to Dairy

> Available in School Lunch Program

>

> NOTE: Until the end of July, the USDA will continue to take comments

> regarding adding soy and rice drinks as alternatives to cow's milk in

> the U.S. public school system food programs. The Special Nutrition

> Program, part of the Food and Nutrition Service under USDA will draft a

> legislative proposal asking Congress to amend the Child Nutrition Acts

> to make non-dairy alternatives available if they have enough support

> from the public.

>

> CONTACT:

> Special Nutrition Program

> USDA Food and Nutrition Service

> 3101 Park Center Dr. Rm. 510

> Alexandria, VA 22302

> PHONE: 703-305-2052

> FAX: 703-305-2782

> EMAIL: <A

>

> SAMPLE LETTER:

>

> Alternatives to dairy for school lunch programs

>

> ATTENTION: Special Nutrition Program

>

> The following letter accurately expresses my views

> regarding this issue.

> Please accept it as a petition requesting that the

> Special Nutrition

> Program draft legislation to require public schools

> to offer soy and

> rice drinks as a substitute for milk.

>

> Soy/Rice drinks are lower in calories and fat than

> whole milk and many

> are fortified to contain the same vitamins and

> minerals. Because they

> are made of complex carbohydrates that are

> metabolized slowly (most are

> sweetened with rice syrup), organic soy/rice drinks

> are a healthful

> alternative to the sugary drinks that children who

> do not like milk or

> are lactose intolerant often choose.

>

> As a person who drinks soy and rice drinks

> regularly, I know they are

> inexpensive, tasty, nutritious and easy to digest.

> Offering soy/rice

> drinks is a significant way to improve the health of

> American children,

> alleviate animal suffering, and protect the

> environment.

>

> Thank you for your time and consideration.

>

> Sincerely,

=====

Traci Thomas

The Black Vegetarian Society of Georgia

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