U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 14 signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law, paving the way for whole and 2% milk to return to America’s school cafeterias for the first time in more than a decade. The bill allows schools to provide students with a variety of fluid milk options, which can now include flavored and unflavored organic or conventional whole, 2%, 1%, skim and lactose-free milk. 

Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement:

“The long wait is over! Whole milk is coming back to schools! This law is a win for our children, parents, and school nutrition leaders, giving schools the flexibility to offer the flavored and unflavored milk options, across all healthy fat levels, that meet students’ needs and preferences. IDFA is deeply grateful to President Trump for signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, and to U.S. Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Kim Schrier, and U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Peter Welch for their leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation through the Congress. Additionally, IDFA is grateful for the leadership of Chairman Tim Walberg of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for their efforts to advance this important legislation through Congress. IDFA and our members stand ready to partner with USDA, states, and school nutrition leaders to help schools offer the milk options kids prefer so more students can benefit from the 13 essential nutrients that milk provides.”

Added NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud:

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives couldn’t be more thrilled that whole and 2% milk is returning to school meals. Dairy is a nutrition powerhouse that should be used to its fullest potential — and that means making it available in the same varieties families consume at home. We are ready to help schools and USDA in any way we can as this important legislation is implemented, and we thank the Trump administration, our advocates on Capitol Hill, and everyone who has worked to make school meals better through increased access to dairy.”