The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry House passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, intended to allow for whole (3.25%) and reduced-fat (2%) milk to once again be served in school cafeterias. The approval came by voice vote with no objections.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was previously approved by the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee with a bipartisan vote of 24-10 in February. The bill now awaits passage by the full Senate and the full House of Representatives.

“Today’s strong, bipartisan passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the Senate Agriculture Committee demonstrates the widespread support the bill enjoys in Congress, and among parents, nutritionists and school meals professionals alike. After more than a decade of waiting, it’s time to lift the ban on whole and 2% milk and give children more nutritious choices in school cafeterias. IDFA is grateful to U.S. Sens. Marshall, Welch, McCormick, Fetterman, and the 12 additional Senate bill cosponsors for their leadership on this issue. We urge the full Senate and the House of Representatives to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act," said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is about making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children,” added NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said. “We’re grateful that this common-sense legislation has received such strong support from both sides of the aisle. We commend Sens. Marshall and Welch for authoring this bill in the Senate and advocating passionately for its passage, as well as Chairman Boozman and Ranking Member Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership in moving the bill through committee. Passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will allow more schoolkids to access essential nutrients in their diets, and that’s something everyone can get behind.”