Womack Supports Bill to Restore Access to Whole Milk in Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C.-December 15, 2025… Today, the House passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act with the support of Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3). This bill, cosponsored by Congressman Womack, allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to serve students whole and reduced fat milk, improving the quality and nutrition of school lunches.

Congressman Womack said, "Providing students with more nutritious and flavorful dairy options is something I have worked on for years. In 2024, I helped secure a provision allowing schools to serve flavored milk. Today, I am proud to support legislation that reverses misguided Obama-era restrictions and restores students' access to whole and 2% milk, an essential source of vitamins and nutrients for the next generation. Simultaneously, this bill supports America's hardworking dairy farmers who have been unfairly victim to a radical agenda that ignores the facts. Today, Congress, with my support, is putting whole milk back in our schools, and our children and nation will be stronger because of it."

Background:

Under current law, schools participating in the NSLP can only offer unflavored or flavored milk that is fat-free or low-fat to students.

In 2024, Congressman Womack helped secure language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that required the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow NSLP-participating schools to serve flavored low-fat and fat-free milk. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 builds on this and allows NSLP-participating schools to now offer whole and 2% milk to students at breakfast and lunch.

Among youth ages 9-13, 79 percent or more fall short of the Dietary Guideline's

recommended dairy intake. Increasing milk options in schools is aimed at increasing dairy intake among adolescents.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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