WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Restoring whole milk in school meals matters because it strengthens child nutrition choices while adding steady demand for U.S. dairy products that anchor many rural economies. President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Wednesday, formally allowing schools to offer whole milk again under federal nutrition programs.
The law aligns school meals with the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030, which reintroduced full-fat dairy as part of a healthy dietary pattern. Supporters say the change reflects updated nutrition science and responds to concerns that prior low-fat restrictions reduced milk consumption among students.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the policy supports both families and dairy producers, noting that whole milk offers nutritional value while reinforcing domestic dairy markets. Rollins also highlighted broader administration efforts to stabilize farm income and improve food affordability, citing recent declines in retail dairy prices.
The bipartisan legislation received support from lawmakers on both the House and Senate agriculture committees. The USDA has already issued implementation guidance to school nutrition officials and will proceed with revisions to Child Nutrition Program rules.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
September 23, 2025 04:33 PM
·
Theresa Long and Theresa Pittman joined us on behalf of the AgriSafe Network to discuss the health and social issues impacting families in agriculture.
September 23, 2025 04:04 PM
·
September 23, 2025 03:54 PM
·
September 23, 2025 03:34 PM
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
September 23, 2025 01:32 PM
·
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
September 23, 2025 11:06 AM
·
The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
September 23, 2025 10:44 AM
·
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
September 22, 2025 01:06 PM
·
“The farm economy is, if it isn’t in a crisis, it’s well on its way to one right now.”
September 22, 2025 11:24 AM
