(WASHINGTON D.C.) — Last week, the Senate unanimously passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, clearing a major hurdle toward restoring whole and 2% milk options in school meal programs. The bill now heads to the House, where similar legislation passed overwhelmingly in 2023, before it can be sent to the president’s desk.
The measure would allow schools to serve whole and reduced-fat milk alongside the current offerings of low-fat, fat-free and flavored varieties. Supporters say the change reflects updated nutrition research showing milk of all fat levels has neutral or positive health effects. Whole and 2% milk remain the most commonly consumed varieties at home.
“Restoring schools’ option to offer whole and reduced-fat milk will mean more schoolkids will get the essential nutrients they need,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said. “This commonsense legislation will help American children get back on solid nutritional footing. We’re grateful that both sides of the aisle can come together and agree on the importance of making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children.”
The Senate measure is sponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, R-KS, Peter Welch, D-VT, Dave McCormick, R-PA, and John Fetterman, D-PA. Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman, R-AR, and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, led the committee in approving the bill by voice vote in June.
“Passage of this bipartisan bill moves us closer to ensuring students have access to the nutritious beverages they need for healthy growth. I’m proud of our collaboration to advance this commonsense solution to expand school milk options, encourage increased dairy consumption and support America’s hardworking dairy producers,” Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) said.
“We are advancing bipartisan legislation that will improve children’s access to milk and other healthy beverages through school lunches,” said Ranking Member Klobuchar (D-MN). “This legislation is good for our kids and it’s good for our dairy producers — a win-win.”
The vote represented a major breakthrough in a long-running effort by multiple dairy groups including the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) “The long wait is nearly over! We’re closer than ever to bringing whole milk back to schools!” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA.
Dykes added that “Senate passage is a watershed moment for children’s health and for the dairy farmers, processors, parents, and nutrition advocates who have fought for decades to restore whole and 2% milk to school meals. Whole and 2% milk are wholesome, nutritious options that kids love, and today’s passage gets us one step closer to restoring them to American schools.”