Hanna, Gillibrand Resume Battle Against USDA to Recognize Greek Yogurt Benefits

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Representative Richard Hanna renewed their call to officially reclassify Greek yogurt as a source of protein under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Myplate nutrition guides.

Currently, Greek yogurt is not differentiated from traditional yogurt, despite having twice the amount of protein.

In their letter to the USDA, Senator Gillibrand and Rep. Hanna urged the secretary of agriculture to update the Myplate nutrition guides to reflect the health benefits of Greek yogurt.

They assert that Greek yogurt should be permitted as an affordable, high protein option under the national school lunch program, which is responsible for feeding 31 million students daily.

The inclusion of Greek yogurt in the national school lunch program would save school systems money while purchasing wholesome meals for students.