The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a pilot program that will provide Greek yogurt to schools in four states, including New York, U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) and U.S. Representative Richard Hanna (R–Barneveld) announced today.

The state is a “natural fit” because of its “burgeoning” Greek-yogurt manufacturing sector and New York school districts favor the program, Gillibrand and Hanna said in a news release.

New York leads the country in Greek yogurt production, the lawmakers said. Several producers have operations in the state, including Norwich–based Chobani, which ranks first in the U.S. in Greek yogurt market share.

The purpose of the pilot program is to test the cost effectiveness of offering high-protein Greek yogurt in the school-lunch program, which feeds 31 million students monthly nationwide.

The Greek-yogurt pilot program would also promote the health benefits of Greek yogurt. Compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has twice the protein, less sodium, and fewer carbohydrates, according to Gillibrand and Hanna.

If the pilot program is successful in the trial states, Greek yogurt could become a permanent fixture on the USDA Foods List for school meals.  In addition to New York, Tennessee, Idaho, and Arizona will also participate in the pilot program. Chobani also has a manufacturing plant in Idaho.

In January, Gillibrand and Hanna urged the USDA to select New York schools for the Greek-yogurt pilot program, the lawmakers said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com