Chobani Yogurt Lunch Program Expanding To Four More States

The pilot program that put New York based Chobani Greek yogurt in school lunches in Tennessee, Idaho, Arizona and New York will be expanding to four more states.

After testing the cost effectiveness of offering the high protein snack in lunches, the USDA has decided to continue and  expand the program.

During the pilot program more than 200,000 pounds of Chobani were served to students in those four states.

Greek yogurt was chosen because it has twice the protein, less sodium and fewer carbohydrates than regular yogurt.

The program was initially sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Richard Hanna in an effort to make school lunches healthier and simultaneously boost New York State's Greek Yogurt industry.

"I am pleased that more students throughout the country will be able to enjoy Greek yogurt as part of their school meals," Hanna said. "This is a nutritious and healthy option for our children, and it is great to see a New York State product leading this program. This is another exciting opportunity for Chobani, our state's growing Greek yogurt industry and the hardworking Upstate Dairy farmers who support it."