Senate Passes Thompson's Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson celebrated the U.S. Senate unanimously passing his legislation, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. 

“For far too long, milk has been unfairly vilified, and it has deprived an entire generation of students of the 13 essential nutrients that support healthy development and academic success," Rep. Thompson said. "I’m encouraged to see the Senate advance my commonsense, bipartisan bill. I look forward to passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the House and sending it to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act aims to provide schools with the flexibility to offer whole and 2% milk options, helping ensure children receive the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and succeed in the classroom.

“The Senate's overwhelming support for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts improved nutrition for children one step away from becoming law. Restoring schools' option to offer whole and reduced-fat milk will mean more schoolkids will get the essential nutrients they need, and that's a great way to ensure better health outcomes for the next generation. Chairman GT Thompson has led the charge in the House on this issue for years, and it's already passed that chamber once, with solid bipartisan majorities, in 2023. We are excited to work with him to get this bill through the House one final time and on to the President’s desk,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation.

“The long wait is nearly over! We’re closer than ever to bringing whole milk back to schools! Today’s Senate passage is a watershed moment for children’s health and for the dairy farmers, processors, parents, and nutrition advocates who have fought for decades to restore whole and 2% milk to school meals. Whole and 2% milk are wholesome, nutritious options that kids love, and today’s passage gets us one step closer to restoring them to American schools. The bipartisan momentum behind this bill is undeniable. We look forward to working with Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, Rep. Kim Schrier and the 116 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House to advance the Senate-passed bill to the President without delay,” said Michael Dykes, President and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association.