LETTER More insight into ‘The Dairy Dilemma’
I’d like to share some insight and information in response to the April 15 story, “The Dairy Dilemma, in which my husband, John Grice, and brother-in-law, Bruce Grice, were interviewed.
The consumer has been and is being provided the wrong information about milk. Whole milk has 3.25 percent fat, which means milk is 96.75 percent fat free. In the remaining 96 percent, you are getting water, protein, potassium, vitamins A, C and D and calcium.
For some reason, the dairy industry is not allowed to market its product the same as other products. The government sets the milk price and regulates how we can advertise.
Also, people are not drinking as much milk because we start feeding our children 2 percent or 1 percent at an early age, assuming whole milk will contribute to obesity. Many children do not like the taste of 2 percent or 1 percent, therefore, they stop drinking milk altogether and are ruined on the product for life. This process is sacrificing 100 percent of the taste, but reducing only 1 to 2.25 percent fat. Whole milk simply tastes better, and a certain amount of fat is required for brain development. Furthermore, the nutrition in whole milk fills children’s stomachs, leading to the reduction of snacking on foods with empty calories, which is the real cause of obesity.
Our industry has also suffered because of the introduction of so-called “milk products.” For instance, almond milk is ground-up almonds with water and nutrients added to it. It may be white in color, but it is not milk and should not be allowed to be advertised as such. For the dairy farmer who works hard to feed, shelter and milk cows twice a day, 365 days a year, this just adds insult to injury. Milk doesn’t grow on trees, and its only ingredients are milk and vitamin D. The same cannot be said for the other “milk products.”
We love what we do and are proud of the product that we have worked hard to produce for Schneider’s Dairy for more than 40 years. We simply want you to know the facts. Please start drinking whole milk again, or “Pap Pap’s milk,” as our grandchildren lovingly call it, the way nature intended.
Judy Grice
Washington