The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act last week, which would expand healthy milk options for children by reversing the law that removed whole milk from school cafeterias. The legislation first was introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall in June 2023 and reintroduced in April 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors.
“Whole and reduced-fat milk should have never been excluded from the National School Lunch Program,” said Sen. Marshall. “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 National Milk Producers Federation and 42 state cooperatives and associations, including KLA, support this legislation. In a letter sent to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, the group highlighted the importance of schools having the ability to choose the milk that best serves their students’ nutritional needs. Studies show whole and 2% milk are the two most popular varieties sold and, therefore, are the most likely to be consumed by students.
The legislation now will proceed to the Senate floor for a vote. If approved, it will move to the House for consideration.