USDA photo by Preston Keres

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. This is a bipartisan bill that would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to serve whole and 2% milk in addition to the current options of low-fat and fat-free milk.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives. The bill updates regulations that have limited school milk offerings since 2012, when higher-fat milks were removed to address childhood obesity. Under the new measure, all fat levels of milk could be served without counting against USDA limits on saturated fat in school meals.

The legislation also eases documentation requirements for students needing milk substitutes. Written requests from parents are allowed rather than requiring a physician’s statement.

Dairy groups welcomed the vote. The International Dairy Foods Association called the Senate action a “watershed moment,” arguing that whole and 2% milk are nutritious and widely preferred by students.

The National Milk Producers Federation also praised the bill, stating that current science indicates milk fat has neutral or positive health effects. Restoring these options will help improve children’s nutrition. Both organizations urged quick House approval, noting broad bipartisan support and past House passage of similar legislation.

Read more About the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 here.