TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) urged the Cabinet on Thursday to continue promoting the "fresh milk for every class" policy.

Chiang met with representatives from PX Mart, Carrefour, and other large convenience stores to discuss supporting measures. Retailers have agreed to support the city government's efforts to continue the program, CNA reported.

Lu said Taichung also hopes to continue the initiative. She suggested the Cabinet delegate funding for the program to local governments, per Yahoo News.

Lu said Taichung students can use their digital student IDs to obtain fresh milk at convenience stores. The city government will explore alternative solutions for areas with limited store access, such as Heping District. 

Chen Ching-i (陳清義), chair of Taiwan's elementary and middle school principals association, said that lack of refrigeration and uncertain delivery time increase teachers' workload. He said most schools prefer long-life milk due to concerns about food safety and student health, per CNA.

To support Taiwanese dairy farmers, the agriculture and education ministries launched the "fresh milk for every class" policy in September, following the impact of no tariffs on New Zealand milk imports.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) decided to suspend the policy in February. Cabinet Spokesperson Li Hui-chih (李慧芝) said that schools and parents have raised concerns about the policy.