Sens Marshall, Welch, McCormick, Fetterman and Reps. Thompson, and Schrier Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Whole Milk Access To All Schools

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Peter Welch (D-VT), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and John Fetterman (D-PA), as well as U.S. Representatives G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) introduced bipartisan legislation that amends the Richard Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools participating in the program to serve whole and reduced milk as part of the National School Lunch Program. 

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations, and includes Calcium and Vitamin D as nutrients of public health concern, which milk is an excellent source of. This legislation expands healthy milk options in schools to improve our students’ nutrition intake and will be a critical step in improving child nutrition health outcomes.

“Whole and reduced fat milk should never have 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. I believe in a healthier future for America, and by increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diet- related diseases down the road, as well as encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come. Whole milk is an excellent source of 13 essential nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones. Plus, it tastes good,” said Senator Marshall.

“Milk provides growing kids with key nutrients they need. Dairy is also an important part of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers. This bill helps provide our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love–feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Marshall and Representative Thompson on this legislation, which will allow our schools to provide students with the healthy, high-quality, and locally-produced whole milk Vermont’s dairy farms have produced for generations.”

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts milk back in schools that our growing kids actually want to drink,” said Senator McCormick. “Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers supply this country with an abundant source of milk year-round. Allowing schools to serve whole milk and reduced-fat milk, in addition to low-fat and fat-free milk, in the lunchroom is just commonsense. I’m proud to support our dairy farmers and our students by supplying them with the essential nutrients found in milk to learn and grow.”

“Kids need wholesome, nourishing food to grow strong and stay healthy, and whole milk is packed with the nutrients they need. Let’s give them the option to enjoy it again in schools—it’s good for them, they’ll actually drink it, and it supports our farmers. This bill is a simple solution that benefits everyone,” said Senator Fetterman.

“Federal policy, based on flawed, outdated science has kept whole milk out of school cafeterias for more than a decade,” said Rep. Thompson. “Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that supplement growth and health, two key factors contributing to academic success. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 provides schools the flexibility they need to offer a variety of options, while supporting students and America’s hard-working dairy farmers.”  

“As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health, well-being, and development,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth and improved academic performance, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. This bill simply gives schools the option of providing the types of milk most kids prefer to drink. ”

“IDFA thanks Reps. G.T. Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-8), Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA) and David McCormick (R-PA) and scores of other co-sponsors for their bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to provide the nutritious milk options that children prefer. Whole milk provides them with milk’s 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering whole milk increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents.” Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association said. 

“NMPF commends Reps. Thompson and Schrier, and Senators Marshall, Welch, McCormick, and Fetterman for their leadership in boosting students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Just last month, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed that most Americans under-consume nutrient-dense dairy.  This much-needed bill lets schools offer students the healthful milk options that they are most likely to drink by permitting the serving of nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties, critically addressing kids’ under-consumption of milk’s essential nutrients. NMPF is ready to work with the bill’s bipartisan sponsors to move this commonsense, widely supported solution across the finish line this year,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

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). 

Leading nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce risk of heart disease.