Many of us had a "wait, what" moment when news broke about New York City's planned ban of chocolate milk in schools. Elected officials and farmers held press conferences to announce their displeasure and the New York Farm Bureau President sent a letter to express his concern.

Farm Bureau President, David Fisher, directed his message toward Chancellor, Richard Carranza with NYC Schools as well as city leaders to drop the proposed ban on chocolate milk in public school meals. Of course, he spoke of the impact on an already struggling ag economy, but Fisher also cited several studies showcasing the importance of dairy in the diets of young children and it's vitamin benefits.

studies have shown that flavored milk consumption is not connected with weight gain or even high total daily sugar intake in children.

Other studies conducted by Cornell University were also highlighted in the letter. One in Oregon showing a decrease in milk consumption at schools when they eliminated flavored milk from the cafeteria.

Here's Fisher's letter in its entirety.

"Banning flavored milk hurts our kids and our hardworking farmers," Congressman Anthony Brindisi said during a press conference at DiNitto Farm in Marcy. "The data shows banning flavored milk results in less nutrients for kids, more waste in our lunchrooms, and fewer jobs for our dairy workers."

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