WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Legislation to bring back whole milk as an option in public school cafeterias is on President Trump’s desk. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act cleared the House by a voice vote. The bipartisan push to bring whole milk back to public school cafeterias has officially cleared Congress, sending the bill to President Trump’s desk for final consideration.
The legislation restores schools’ ability to offer whole and 2% milk, options removed from cafeterias more than a decade ago, while keeping existing 1% varieties in place and continuing to allow flavored milk choices. Those milks have been banned since 2010, when the Obama Administration signed the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act,” an initiative led by Former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“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,” said Rep. Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “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.”
Supporters say the change gives schools greater flexibility while expanding nutritious options, making students more likely to drink.
"“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act marks a significant step forward in strengthening school nutrition and supporting America’s dairy farmers and is another win in President Trump’s efforts to Make America Healthy Again and to put Farmers First,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “This commonsense legislation restores the ability of schools to serve wholesome, flavorful options that children actually enjoy. For the past decade, limited choices and reduced flavor have discouraged kids from drinking milk at school. The passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is more than a policy change; it’s a practical tool for promoting health nationwide and ensuring that America’s next generation thrives.”
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, a longtime advocate for expanding milk offerings in schools, helped lead the effort in the Senate. Marshall, who previously joined Market Day Report as the bill advanced, is back with us today to discuss final passage, what it means for schools nationwide, and why he believes the legislation is a win for student nutrition.
In his conversation with RFD-TV News, Marshall explains why this was a significant project for him, how restoring whole and 2% milk options could benefit children’s nutrition, what drove the bipartisan support for the bill, and how the measure could strengthen demand for dairy products and support producers across the United States.
Dairy Industry Applauds Congressional Action
Dairy groups like the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) across the country are celebrating the bill’s passage, calling it a long-awaited victory for both producers and school nutrition programs. Industry leaders say the move reverses a 2012 policy shift that limited milk options in schools and reduced overall milk consumption among students.
“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.
“Since 2012, when federal nutrition rules took whole and 2% milk out of school meals programs, dairy farmers and their cooperatives have pointed out the flaws in that decision, which wasn’t aligned with consumer choice. What was true then became even more true in years to come, as newer research consistently showed the value of milk at all fat levels and consumers moved even further toward fuller-fat varieties in their purchases.
“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 . 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.
“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.”
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga also joined Market Day Report on Tuesday to break down what this moment means for dairy farmers and the broader industry.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Bjerga discusses the history of the original restrictions, the nutritional debate that shaped them, and how restoring whole and 2% milk could help reverse declining milk intake among children. He also explains how expanded milk options could boost demand for dairy products, as many producers navigate tight margins and market uncertainty. With congressional approval now secured, Bjerga also outlined the industry’s next steps as it prepares to implement the legislation.
