Congress has approved the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, marking a major shift in federal school nutrition policy and reopening the door for whole and reduced-fat milk in school meal programs. The legislation reflects growing consensus around the nutritional value of milk at all fat levels and underscores the impact of sustained, bipartisan advocacy.

“Today we will restore students access to a wide variety of milk options assuring students have the necessary nutrients to learn and to grow, says Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., a leading supporter of the bill since its introduction. “I have worked for a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today.”

He emphasized the importance of choice in school meals, noting that whole milk is a key part of a balanced diet for students.

“Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love. I am proud that my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed the House today and now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature,” Thompson added.

The move has drawn praise from industry leaders, who say it reflects both the importance of milk in children’s diets and the power of sustained advocacy.

“It’s hard to overstate the significance of congressional passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, not only because it represents major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but also because of what it says about how persistent, long-term effort can still bring bipartisan success in Congress,” says National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO, Gregg Doud.

If signed by the president, schools would once again have the option to serve whole and reduced-fat milk alongside the fat-free and 1% varieties currently allowed. Supporters say the added flexibility would better reflect what families purchase at home and align school offerings with current nutrition science.

A Long Road Back for Whole Milk

Whole and reduced-fat milk were removed from school menus in 2012 under nutrition standards set by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which aimed to reduce childhood obesity. Schools were limited to fat-free and 1% milk, and flavored milk was required to be fat-free. While intended to improve student health, the change coincided with a decline in school milk consumption and reduced choice for students.

Over the past decade, a growing body of research has shown that milk fat has a neutral or even positive effect on health outcomes. That evolving science, combined with changing consumer preferences, helped build bipartisan support for restoring flexibility in school milk offerings.

The bill’s passage represents the culmination of more than a decade of effort by dairy advocates, lawmakers and industry stakeholders.

“And now the day has arrived. We thank Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson of Pennsylvania and Representative Kim Schrier of Washington for their critical roles in championing the most recent version of this important legislation to the finish line and the many other congressional leaders who preceded them in their efforts to protect access to nutritious milk in schools,” Doud says.

A similar measure passed the House overwhelmingly in 2023 but stalled in the Senate. With Senate approval now secured, the legislation clears its final congressional hurdle.

Restored Choice for Schools and Students

The dairy industry emphasizes the collaborative nature of the effort.

“Dairy doesn’t succeed without tireless advocates on Capitol Hill, and it’s been an honor to work with these members and their staffs in this effort,” Doud adds.

With the bill now awaiting the president’s signature, attention turns to implementation.

“The next step, after a presidential signature, is implementation. We pledge our fullest support to federal officials and school districts across the nation to help with implementation of this important legislation. Congress made a positive difference today. We are thrilled to be a part of it,” Doud says.

While the bill does not mandate whole milk, it restores flexibility schools have not had in more than a decade. For students, it means access to the same range of milk options their families choose at home. For dairy farmers, it reopens a significant market, as school meal programs account for nearly 8% of all fluid milk sales.

Schools could begin offering whole and 2% milk as soon as the next school year.

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