Digest

This episode of The Weeds explores the history of milk's prominence in American culture and the influence of the dairy industry on government policy. Host John Quinhill interviews Kenny Torella, a staff writer at Vox, who delves into the origins of the "got milk" campaign and the USDA's long-standing relationship with the dairy industry. Torella explains how the National School Lunch Program, established in 1946, was partly designed to offload agricultural surplus, particularly milk. This led to a requirement for schools to serve milk at every meal, which benefited the dairy industry by creating a large customer base and boosting milk prices. The dairy industry's influence extends beyond school lunches, as they have lobbied for policies that promote milk consumption and even influenced fast food companies to increase cheese content in their products. Torella also discusses the environmental and health concerns associated with dairy consumption, including its high carbon footprint and the potential for lactose intolerance. He argues that the USDA's milk-centric policies are outdated and need to be reevaluated, considering the availability of plant-based alternatives and the growing awareness of the dairy industry's impact on the environment and animal welfare.

Outlines

00:02:28

The Milk-Fueled Lunchroom

This Chapter explores the personal experience of the host, John Quinhill, with lactose intolerance and how it led to him questioning the prevalence of milk in school lunches. It introduces Kenny Torella, a staff writer at Vox, who specializes in animal agriculture and will be the main guest for the episode.

00:03:30

Maryl's Milk Protest

This Chapter focuses on the story of Maryl Williamson, a vegan high school student who attempted to set up a table outside the cafeteria to raise awareness about the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the dairy industry. Her school principal allowed her to do so, but only under the condition that she also promote the benefits of cow's milk. This highlights the influence of the National School Lunch Program, which requires schools to promote milk consumption.

00:06:41

The Milk Agenda: A Century-Long Story

This Chapter delves into the history of milk's rise to prominence as a "superfood." It traces the origins of the idea back to the 1700s in England with Dr. Taylor, who promoted an all-milk diet for epilepsy. This idea was further popularized by George Cheney, a Scottish physician, and eventually spread to the United States. The USDA, established in 1862, played a significant role in promoting milk production and consumption, leading to the inclusion of milk in every school meal.

00:20:28

Milk's Decline and the Got Milk Campaign

This Chapter examines the decline in milk consumption in the United States, starting in the 1940s. It attributes this decline to factors such as the rise of soda, juice beverages, and plant-based milks. The chapter then discusses the creation of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board in 1983, which launched the iconic "got milk" campaign and funded research into the potential health benefits of milk.

00:27:19

The Dairy Industry's Influence on Food Choices

This Chapter explores the dairy industry's influence on government policy and the food environment. It highlights the revolving door between the USDA and the dairy industry, with former USDA officials often becoming lobbyists for dairy companies. The chapter also discusses the lack of scientific evidence supporting the need for high milk consumption and the potential health risks associated with excessive dairy intake.

00:36:35

A More Evidence-Based Milk Policy

This Chapter discusses potential solutions for a more evidence-based milk policy, including ending the requirement for schools to serve milk at every meal, banning flavored milks, and providing easier access to plant-based alternatives. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for greater scrutiny of the dairy industry's influence on the food system and the importance of making informed choices about what we eat.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did the National School Lunch Program contribute to the dairy industry's success?

  The National School Lunch Program, established in 1946, required schools to serve milk at every meal. This created a large customer base for the dairy industry and helped to boost milk prices. The program was also designed to offload agricultural surplus, particularly milk, which further benefited the dairy industry.

• What is the "got milk" campaign and how did it impact milk consumption?

  The "got milk" campaign was a highly successful advertising campaign launched in 1993 by the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. It featured celebrities and athletes with milk mustaches, promoting the consumption of milk as a healthy and essential beverage. The campaign was very effective in increasing milk consumption, particularly among younger generations.

• What are some of the environmental and health concerns associated with dairy consumption?

  Dairy consumption has a significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land use. Cows produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas, through their digestion. The production of milk also requires a large amount of resources, including land, water, and energy. Additionally, many people are lactose intolerant, which can cause digestive problems when consuming dairy products.

• What are some potential solutions for a more evidence-based milk policy?

  Some potential solutions include ending the requirement for schools to serve milk at every meal, banning flavored milks, and providing easier access to plant-based alternatives. These changes would give students more choice and flexibility in their school lunches and promote healthier and more sustainable food options.

• How does the dairy industry influence government policy?

  The dairy industry has a significant influence on government policy, particularly in the United States. They lobby for policies that benefit their interests, such as subsidies and programs like the National School Lunch Program. There is a revolving door between the USDA and the dairy industry, with former USDA officials often becoming lobbyists for dairy companies.

• What does the dairy industry's influence tell us about our food choices?

  The dairy industry's influence highlights the fact that our food choices are not always free and independent. They are often shaped by government policy, marketing, and the availability of certain foods. It is important to be aware of these influences and to make informed choices about what we eat.

• What is the USDA's role in shaping the food system?

  The USDA is a powerful federal agency that plays a significant role in shaping the food system. They set dietary guidelines, provide subsidies to farmers, and oversee programs like the National School Lunch Program. The USDA's policies can have a profound impact on public health, the environment, and the economy.

• What is the future of milk in the United States?

  The future of milk in the United States is uncertain. Milk consumption has been declining for decades, and the dairy industry is facing increasing competition from plant-based alternatives. The USDA's milk-centric policies are outdated and need to be reevaluated, considering the availability of healthier and more sustainable options.

• What is the significance of Maryl Williamson's lawsuit against the USDA?

  Maryl Williamson's lawsuit against the USDA highlights the dairy industry's power over the government. She was simply trying to raise awareness about the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the dairy industry, but she faced resistance from her school and the USDA. Her lawsuit is a reminder that the dairy industry has a strong influence on food policy and that it can be difficult to challenge their dominance.

• What are some key takeaways from this episode of The Weeds?

  This episode of The Weeds reveals the complex relationship between the dairy industry and government policy. It highlights the influence of the dairy industry on food choices and the need for greater scrutiny of their impact on public health, the environment, and animal welfare. It also emphasizes the importance of making informed choices about what we eat and being aware of the factors that shape our food environment.

Show Notes