WASHINGTON D.C. — On Wednesday, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. That is a bill that would allow for whole (3.25%) and reduced-fat (2%) milk to once again be served in school cafeterias—by a vote of 24-10.
The news of the bill’s passage out of committee was met with praise and applause from multiple dairy groups. Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) applauded the Committee vote saying that “today’s strong, bipartisan passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce demonstrates the widespread support the bill enjoys in Congress, and among parents, nutritionists and school meals professionals alike.”
Dykes added that, “After more than a decade of waiting, it’s time to lift the ban on whole and 2% milk and give children more nutritious choices in school cafeterias. IDFA is grateful to U.S. Reps. Thompson, Schrier and the 98 additional bill cosponsors for their leadership on this issue. We urge the full House and Senate to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.”
National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement that “The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed in its Scientific Report last December that most kids and adolescents are not meeting daily dairy intake recommendations. Good nutrition is a cornerstone of children’s health and development, and milk plays an unparalleled role in providing the nutrients kids need to grow and thrive. But kids take more milk, and drink more milk, in school when they have nutrient-dense options they like. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that dairy foods at all fat levels have a neutral or positive effect on health outcomes, ranging from lower prevalence of obesity and diabetes to reduced heart disease risk and healthy cholesterol levels.”
Doud added that “we are grateful to the House Education and the Workforce Committee for approving the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act today on a bipartisan vote. It’s a critical step toward finally expanding the popular, healthy milk options schools can serve to improve student nutrition.”
According to the IDFA, whole and 2% milk provide children with 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. Since whole and 2% milk were banned from school meals menus more than a decade ago, school milk consumption and meal participation have declined, meaning children are consuming fewer essential nutrients. This is especially concerning considering underconsumption of milk and dairy products is prevalent among school-aged children, where between 68% and 94% of school-age boys and girls are failing to meet recommended levels of dairy intake per federal guidelines.
