Controversial PSA Promotes Whole Milk with Anti-Trans Speaker

Riley Gaines, who many know from her vocal stance against trans rights, recently stepped up in a surprising role: promoting whole milk in a new public service announcement. The campaign, backed by none other than Uncle Sam himself—the USDA, that—is stirring quite a pot among different groups.

In this video, Gaines rocks that classic milk mustache look and shouts out, “The milk mustache has returned. Drink whole milk!” Seeing her here might raise some eyebrows since she usually makes waves in politics, not nutrition.

Politics meets nutrition

Riley Gaines first popped onto our radar thanks mostly due her involvement in MAGA circles, especially after she tied in fifth place at a college swimming competition. Though not a professional athlete, her name's been boosted by conservative circles pushing back against transgender athletes in women sports arenas. So her cameo in this PSA really stands out in our ongoing chats about sports, gender, and rights.

This USDA-backed PSA isn't a one-off; it ties in with broader efforts pushing whole milk back onto our tables. The dairy folks especially want it back in schools, reversing Obama-era policies that had been nudged in lower-fat milk's direction. At that time, these policies were praised with improving public health by various studies.

Changing dietary guidelines

It seems like opinions on fats are shifting—again. Just last September, FDA Commissioner Martin Makery said they're planning an end “the 50-year war on natural saturated fat.” This didn't go unnoticed. Health groups, like those doc-heavy folks at Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine, have voiced their worries about how this could impact kids' heart health.

With these shifts in mind, earlier this month saw The Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act get a green light. It allows schools partaking in National School Lunch Program serving up whole and 2% milk, while still letting skim or non-dairy alternatives available if parents want them. These new guidelines are onboard with upping fats from dairy products, including cheese and butter.

Nutritional nuggets

Fans advocating whole milk, Secretary Brooke Rollins among them, tout its perks. Rollins notes whole milk packs eight grams protein per cup—not too far off skim milk's nine grams. Plus all those key nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamins D and A that help fuel kids' growing minds.

But, more calories come with it—146 versus 91 in skim. Advocates counter that whole milk's taste keeps kids drinking it longer, which dairy folks surely appreciate.

Mixed community responses

This campaign has been a hot topic! Some folks cheer it on as a win consumer choice, while others worry about health, drawing attention Riley's controversial reputation doesn't help either. Partnering with an anti-trans activist at USDA hasn't won favor across LGBTQ+ advocates.

With all this buzz, no doubt these conversations will continue swirling as new USDA guidelines and collaborations unfold. Expect chatter from both sides as they spar over future public health campaigns.

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