WASHINGTON – The House has approved legislation allowing whole milk to return to school lunch programs for the first time in over a decade. The bill, passed Monday by voice vote, now heads to the president’s desk and would let K-12 schools participating in the National School Lunch Program serve flavored and unflavored, organic and nonorganic whole and 2 percent milk. Currently, only fat-free and low-fat milk is permitted.
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., who sponsored the measure, said the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will give families more choice, support Kansas dairy farmers, and ensure children receive essential nutrients. House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson also backed the measure, noting years of efforts to restore whole milk in schools. The Senate version adds provisions for nondairy beverages fortified to match cow’s milk nutrients and requires food service staff training on food allergies. Whole milk was removed from school lunches in 2010 under policies aimed at improving childhood nutrition, but supporters argue the move limits student choice and that children are more likely to drink whole milk than skim.
Opponents, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, warn that the bill could increase saturated fat consumption among children. Dairy industry representatives counter that students often avoid skim milk and would benefit nutritionally from whole milk. The bill also addresses lactose intolerance, allowing parents or licensed physicians to provide written statements for nondairy substitutes without classifying the condition as a disability. Nationwide availability may be limited initially due to supply constraints, meaning some schools may not immediately offer whole milk as an option.