The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has cleared Congress after passing the Senate in November and the U.S. House this week. The bill is now headed to the president’s desk, where it is expected to be signed.

The bipartisan legislation would once again allow schools nationwide to serve whole (3.25%) and reduced-fat (2%) milk in cafeterias. This reverses federal school-meal rules adopted in 2012 that limited milk options to lower-fat varieties.

Supporters say the change better reflects family preferences and evolving nutrition research showing that milk across all fat levels can be part of a healthy diet. Lawmakers emphasized that the bill gives schools flexibility rather than imposing new mandates and preserves nondairy alternatives for students who need them.

Backers also argue the policy benefits both students and dairy producers. They point to declines in school milk consumption following the 2012 rules and highlight milk’s role in providing key nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins.

Agriculture and dairy organizations have long advocated for the change, noting that school milk accounts for a significant share of overall fluid milk demand. Industry leaders and lawmakers alike described passage as a major milestone, underscoring both improved nutrition options for children and the success of sustained, bipartisan collaboration in Congress.

Read more here about passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.