Senate Advances Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
California dairy producers are watching closely as federal policy around school nutrition takes a notable step forward. The Senate has passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and supporters say it opens the door for schools to bring a wider range of milk options back into cafeterias.
The legislation would allow schools in the National School Lunch Program to once again offer flavored or unflavored milk across the full spectrum of fat levels, along with organic and non-organic choices. For dairy states like California, where school demand matters, that shift could influence both nutrition programs and local markets.
John Newton, vice president of public policy and economic analysis for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the benefits reach beyond just menu variety.
“They contribute to healthy children and healthy outcomes. American Farm Bureau dairy farmer members have been pushing for this for a very, very, very long time, and I think seeing the Senate passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is going to be welcome news in the dairy world and really across the farm economy.”
The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
