Schools to bring back chocolate milk
NIAGARA FALLS — Chocolate milk is on its way back onto lunchroom menus in the city’s public schools — thanks largely to the work of one student, Dominic Daoust.
Daoust, a senior at Niagara Falls High School, told the School Board last month that the vitamins and nutrients in chocolate milk match those in reduced-fat white milk and the flavoring in chocolate milk is insufficient to cause any significant increase in obesity.
He cited research suggesting that chocolate milk has little or no adverse effect on health.
“A container of chocolate milk that a student drinks is more nutritious than a container of reduced- fat white milk that the student throws away,” Daoust told the board.
He gave the board a petition with nearly 1,000 signatures asking for a return of chocolate milk to school cafeterias.
After a few days to digest the student’s presentation, School Superintendent Cynthia A. Bianco decided this week to bring back chocolate milk.
“Chocolate milk has been ordered and will be restored to school kitchens as soon as possible,” Bianco said in a letter to Daoust.
The superintendent’s letter congratulated Daoust “on your fine presentation to the Board of Education.”
“Your research, remarks, poise and initiative in getting 1,000 signatories to your petition show drive, organization and determination,” she wrote. “They also show you have received a fine education in the Niagara Falls City School District.”
About 20 students in the audience at the board meeting on Oct. 20 applauded vigorously when Daoust finished his presentation and handed the petition to members of the board.
“The removal of chocolate milk was due to an abundance of caution in safeguarding students’ health and an effort to provide only the healthiest choices of meals in the schools,” Bianco wrote. “However, Mr. Daoust, you have convinced me. I am satisfied that chocolate milk will not be the downfall of public health.”
She also told Daoust, “You may have a promising career ahead in community organizing and public service.”
She wished him good luck and thanked him for bringing his concern to the attention of the board.
This site is hosted by (click on the graphic for more information)
Return from chocolate milk to Home Page
Great blog.Much thanks again. Fantastic.