U.S. President Donald Trump has signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law, restoring whole milk as an option in schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The legislation reverses federal restrictions introduced in 2010 that limited schools to offering only fat-free or low-fat milk.
The bill received strong bipartisan backing, passing unanimously in the Senate and by an overwhelming margin in the House of Representatives. Its sponsors included Senator Roger Marshall (Republican, Kansas) and Senator John Fetterman (Democrat, Pennsylvania), reflecting cross-party agreement on revisiting school nutrition standards.
The original 2010 policy was implemented as part of national efforts to reduce childhood obesity by lowering saturated fat intake in school meals. However, lawmakers supporting the new act cited a significant decline in milk consumption among students over the past decade, as well as updated scientific research suggesting that full-fat dairy does not necessarily contribute to adverse health outcomes and may support overall nutrition and satiety in children.
President Trump linked the signing of the legislation to his administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which focuses on re-evaluating public health policies and dietary guidelines. Speaking at the signing event, the president made lighthearted remarks about milk’s nutritional value, including its role in supporting growth and cognitive development.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined the president at the ceremony, emphasizing the administration’s position that families and schools should have broader, science-informed choices when it comes to student nutrition.
Under the new law, schools will be permitted to offer whole milk in addition to existing low-fat and fat-free options. Non-dairy alternatives will continue to be available for students with lactose intolerance, allergies, or other dietary needs. The updated requirements will take effect beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
Supporters of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act say the change gives schools greater flexibility while responding to evolving nutritional research and student preferences, with the goal of improving overall participation in school meal programs.
