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Congress Sends Whole Milk Back to School Menus for Trump’s Decision

Backers frame the measure as school flexibility, not a requirement to serve or drink whole milk.

Overview

  • The House passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by voice vote after a unanimous Senate approval, sending it to the president.
  • The bill permits schools in the National School Lunch Program to offer whole and 2% milk, flavored or unflavored, organic or nonorganic.
  • The measure exempts milk fat from saturated‑fat meal limits and allows fortified nondairy beverages, with parent or physician statements enabling substitutes.
  • Industry groups including NMPF, IDFA, and DFA praised the passage, while public‑health advocates such as CSPI cite guidance urging low‑fat or skim for children over age 2.
  • A months‑long Senate hold over classifying lactose intolerance as a disability was lifted after assurances from sponsors, and some districts may face delays as processors ramp up whole‑milk supply.