WASHINGTON – The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry voted on Tuesday to advance Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall's Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This legislation would expand healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias, according to a media release from the senator's office.
Roger Marshall wrote, "Today’s vote was a step to correct a major mistake made during the Obama Administration – and a great start to National Dairy Month,” said Senator Marshall. “Whole and reduced-fat milk should have never been excluded from the National School Lunch Program. Now, 13 years after its removal, nearly 75% of children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. By increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diseases down the road and encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come.”
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source for both vitamins. Leading nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.
The legislation was first introduced by Senator Marshall in June of 2023 and reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors. The bill is scheduled to proceed to the Senate floor for a vote before advancing to the House of Representatives for approval. Click HERE to learn more.
Background:
- In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which amended nutrition standards in the School Lunch Program. Among the changes, the law mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free within the program.
- In May of 2017, the USDA announced a rule that allowed schools to receive waivers for low-fat (1%) flavored milk, rather than only fat-free.
- Last Congress, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support (330-99).