Marshall’s whole milk act is a win for the dairy industry 

Whole milk could soon be returning to school cafeterias thanks to legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., R-Kansas. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was recently approved by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. It was first introduced by Marshall in 2023 and was reintroduced in April 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors.  

“Today’s vote was a step to correct a major mistake made during the Obama administration—and a great start to National Dairy Month,” Marshall said. 

This legislation reverses The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which removed whole and 2% milk as a serving option to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The reasons cited for taking these products out of schools were higher saturated fat and increased calorie content. 

“Whole and reduced fat milk should never have been excluded from the National School Lunch Program,” Marshall said. “Now, 13 years after its removal, nearly 75% of children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. I believe in a healthier future for America, and by increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diet-related diseases down the road, as well as encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come. Whole milk is an excellent source of 13 essential nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones. Plus, it tastes good.” 

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Calcium and Vitamin D, and the nutrients Americans are most often deficient in. Additionally, nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.  

“This much-needed bill lets schools offer students the healthful milk options that they are most likely to drink by permitting the serving of nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties, critically addressing kids’ under-consumption of milk’s essential nutrients,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “NMPF is ready to work with the bill’s bipartisan sponsors to move this commonsense, widely supported solution across the finish line this year.”  

Marshall celebrated the progress of the bill by posting a photo of himself on social media drinking a glass of milk with the caption, “We’re one step closer to bringing whole milk back to school cafeterias. Can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a cold glass of whole milk!” 

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will now move to the Senate floor for a vote. If it is approved, it will advance to the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].