CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN’S BIPARTISAN “WHOLE MILK FOR HEALTHY KIDS ACT” PASSES HOUSE, ADVANCES TO PRESIDENT’S DESK TO BECOME LAW

Congressman Pat Ryan's Bipartisan "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act" Passes House, Advances to President's Desk to Become Law

Congressman Ryan's bipartisan, bicameral bill reverses more than a decade of flawed federal policy keeping healthy, nutrient-rich whole milk out of schools

Ryan's bill will allow flavored and unflavored whole milk to be offered in school cafeterias, providing essential nutrients to kids and supporting American dairy farmers

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, Congressman Pat Ryan's bipartisan and bicameral "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act" passed the House of Representatives. The bill passed through the Senate earlier this month and now goes to the President's desk.

"The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act takes on America's growing food and nutrition-insecurity issues with school-aged children by expanding students' access to the most popular, nutrient-rich types of milk in their school lunches," said Congressman Pat Ryan."I've been a proud cosponsor ever since I got to Congress, and am excited to help it pass the House. This bill is a win-win - it supports New York's hardworking dairy farmers and helps promote healthy, balanced meals for American kids. I'll keep pushing for the President to sign this landmark bill into law - for our kids, for our farmers, and for our future."

Ryan's bill is co-sponsored by 38 Democrats and 80 Republicans in the House, and 5 Democrats, 10 Republicans, and 1 Independent in the Senate.

"Federal policy, based on flawed, outdated science has kept whole milk out of school cafeterias for more than a decade," said Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA). "Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that supplement growth and health, two key factors contributing to academic success. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 provides schools the flexibility they need to offer a variety of options, while supporting students and America's hard-working dairy farmers."

"As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children's health, well-being, and development," said Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA)."A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth and improved academic performance, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children's diets and contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. This bill simply gives schools the option of providing the types of milk most kids prefer to drink."

"Whole and reduced fat milk should never have been excluded from the National School Lunch Program," said Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)."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."

"Milk provides growing kids with key nutrients they need. Dairy is also an important part of Vermont's culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont's students and farmers," said Senator Peter Welch (D-VT)."This bill helps provide our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love-feed our communities. I'm proud to partner with Senator Marshall and Representative Thompson on this legislation, which will allow our schools to provide students with the healthy, high-quality, and locally-produced whole milk Vermont's dairy farms have produced for generations."

"The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts milk back in schools that our growing kids actually want to drink," said Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA)."Pennsylvania's dairy farmers supply this country with an abundant source of milk year-round. Allowing schools to serve whole milk and reduced-fat milk, in addition to low-fat and fat-free milk, in the lunchroom is just commonsense. I'm proud to support our dairy farmers and our students by supplying them with the essential nutrients found in milk to learn and grow."

"Kids need wholesome, nourishing food to grow strong and stay healthy, and whole milk is packed with the nutrients they need," said Senator John Fetterman (D-PA)."Let's give them the option to enjoy it again in schools-it's good for them, they'll actually drink it, and it supports our farmers. This bill is a simple solution that benefits everyone."

"Just last month, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed that most Americans under-consume nutrient-dense dairy. 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. NMPF is ready to work with the bill's bipartisan sponsors to move this commonsense, widely supported solution across the finish line this year," said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation.

"IDFA thanks co-sponsors for their bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to provide the nutritious milk options that children prefer. Whole milk provides them with milk's 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering whole milk increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents," said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association.

Schools participating in the United States Department of Agriculture's school meals program have been advised against serving whole milk since 2012. The 2020-2025 DGAsreports kids aged 2-18 are largely missing their dairy intake recommendations, with upwards of 75% of all school-aged children missing their recommended levels of dairy. Updated scientific and medical research indicates higher fat milk consumption by children is associated with lower childhood obesity and other positive health outcomes.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act received overwhelmingly bipartisan support in the 118th Congress with 134 cosponsorsin the House and 330 voteson the House floor.

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