Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement on the Biden’s Administration’s released proposed rule under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will reduce the amount of milk available to WIC families in St. Lawrence County and other areas.

“Let our New York families drink milk,” Stefanik said. 

Stefanik represents the North Country in the 21st Congressional District. 

“The Biden Administration’s proposal to restrict the amount of milk available to WIC participants is wrong, especially at a time when 90% of Americans are not consuming enough dairy to meet nutrition standards. In addition, this administration is shamefully further restricting milk choice for families and keeping the door open for more forced vegan juice consumption. Upstate dairy farmers work hard to provide delicious and nutritious products for families in New York and across the nation, and this proposed rule is a slap in the face to their important work. While I am encouraged that USDA has included my recommendation to increase container size flexibility for WIC products, this is a deeply flawed proposal, and I will work to ensure families in Upstate New York have access to full dietary benefits of milk.”

In January, Stefanik led the bipartisan push to provide container size flexibility in the WIC program to improve families’ food choices and access to certain foods, including dairy items such as yogurt. She also has championed milk choice, especially in New York schools.