WASHINGTON, D.C. January 16, 2026 – President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law on January 14, allowing schools nationwide to offer whole and 2% milk in lunch programs for the first time in over a decade.
The legislation reverses Obama-era restrictions that limited school milk options to fat-free or low-fat varieties as part of broader healthy eating guidelines. Supporters argue that whole milk provides better nutrition, improves taste encouraging higher consumption, and supports American dairy farmers by boosting demand.
During the Oval Office signing ceremony, President Trump surrounded himself with school children and dairy farmers, emphasizing the bill’s benefits for both students and agriculture.
Secretary Rollins Praises “Common Sense” Return to Whole Milk
In an interview on Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria two days after the signing, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted the policy shift.
“We got so off course 10, 15 years ago on what’s really good and healthy for American kids,” Secretary Rollins said. “But now, we’re getting back to real common sense.”
She referenced former First Lady Michelle Obama’s influence on low-fat mandates and noted recent efforts, including distributing whole milk to schools in Pennsylvania alongside Dr. Ben Carson, the National Nutrition Advisor.
Rollins described the signing ceremony as a moment of “getting America back to common sense eating real food,” predicting lasting positive impacts on children’s health and the dairy industry.
The White House Rapid Response account shared a clip of the interview on X (formerly Twitter), garnering thousands of views and positive reactions from supporters who celebrated the return of whole milk as a win for nutrition and farmers.
The law affects millions of students participating in the National School Lunch Program and is expected to increase whole milk consumption in cafeterias starting this year.
Dairy industry groups and bipartisan lawmakers have hailed the act as a practical step toward healthier, more appealing school meals.
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