Whitesboro, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon visited the Whitesboro Central School District to witness the successful implementation of the Oneida County School Milk Pilot Program, which was secured by Assemblywoman Buttenschon in the New York State Budget for State Fiscal Year 2024-25. During the visit, Assemblywoman Buttenschon toured the school’s cafeteria, spoke with staff, and heard directly from students about how the program has improved their access to milk during lunch.
The pilot program was initially in response to a 2023 statewide shortage of half-pint milk cartons as well as the innovative thinking of local farmer Teri DiNitto. The initiative was designed to give schools greater flexibility in how they serve milk to students and to provide a sustainable alternative to relying solely on the traditional half-pint cardboard cartons. “I am excited to see our school children enjoying milk in their school breakfast and lunch offerings.
Today, it is rewarding to see that goal being achieved right here in Whitesboro. I am proud that this program is now being implemented, and I look forward to witnessing its continued success across the participating districts.” Since implementation, the feedback has included positive responses from students, in addition to providing a healthy choice during their school day, ultimately we hope to see an increase in our farm to schools program
which in turn will support our local dairy farmers. “This program is an example of how our local experts provide a common-sense approach to ensuring our children have access to delicious and nutritious milk during their school day. Again, I want to thank Teri DiNitto for coming forward with this innovative approach.” the state government can step-up with practical, common-sense solutions to common issues,”
Buttenschon said. “Ensuring students have access to delicious and nutritious milk during the school day matters, and this program has shown that with the right support, students and schools can adapt and thrive.” Assemblywoman Buttenschon will continue to monitor the program’s progress and in hopes to expand it county wide.
About Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon:
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly represents New York’s 119th Assembly District, encompassing the cities of Utica and Rome as well as the Towns of Floyd, Deerfield, Marcy, and Whitestown. From a lifelong educator and former Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College, to a small family farm owner, Buttenschon brings decades of experience advocating for equity, access, and opportunity across public health, education, agriculture, and emergency services. In the Assembly, she serves as Chair of the Committee on Small Business and as a member of the Agriculture, Education, Higher Education, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where she champions bipartisan solutions to improve quality of life. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every family in her district and beyond can live with dignity,
support, and a voice in their future.
