It’s an exciting time for dairy farmers with the official signing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Thanks to critical checkoff-funded research on the health benefits of full-fat dairy, American Dairy Association North East is on board to help promote this broader range of dairy milk options for students to enjoy at school.
Checkoff has been a leader in advancing sound science, nutrition research and education on whole milk and dairy products. More than 80 studies have been published that highlight the role of whole milk and whole milk dairy products. In fact, in 2024, whole milk accounted for 47% of fluid milk sales, up from 27% in 2013.
So, what does this new legislation allow? School lunch programs can now offer whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk, in addition to the currently permitted low-fat (1%) and fat-free (skim), flavored and unflavored, and lactose-free dairy milk.
Here’s what we’re doing in our six-state region:
- Encouraging school districts to offer whole and 2% milk and include it in their 2026-2027 school milk bids.
- Communicating with processors that service school milk accounts to assess availability and pricing for the newly approved milk options.
- Continuing to promote additional dairy offerings in school cafeterias, such as hot chocolate milk, smoothies and lattes.
- Working with appropriate state-level authorities (departments of education and agriculture depending on state structure) to understand how implementation will occur in each state.
A few reminders: The legislation permits schools to offer whole and 2% milk; it does not require them to do so. Also, while schools can begin serving whole milk immediately, many may not make the changes until the next bid cycle, likely starting in Fall 2026.
What can dairy farmers do?
We encourage farmers to promote these new options with their local schools. Here are a few messages that may be helpful when talking with school and community leaders.
- More milk options mean more choices for students to drink the milk they enjoy. This change is supported by emerging research on the benefits of full-fat dairy.
- Many families already choose whole milk at home; this update allows kids to select options at school that are familiar to them.
- We know that school districts are receiving this info at the same time as everybody else, and menu changes often require multiple approvals and careful consideration of budgets, contracts and logistics.
- Dairy farmers and schools all share the same goal: providing kids with nourishing, tasty meals.
A few clarifying points to keep in mind:
- All real cow’s milk, regardless of fat content, provides the same package of 13 essential nutrients, including 1 gram of protein in every ounce of milk.
- Our shared goal is to increase milk consumption overall, regardless of fat levels.
- Claims about whole milk and brain development should be presented accurately and aligned with the full body of science.
- Recognize that school nutrition professionals face pressures similar to farmers – tight budgets, rising costs and high expectations.
Dairy checkoff cannot take a position on legislation and policy and offer this info for educational purposes only. For specific questions about the legislation, we recommend contacting National Milk Producers Federation.
For more information about what we’re doing in ADA North East’s six-state region, call 315.472.9143.