WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2025—U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce today passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in 2025—a bill that would allow for whole (3.25%) and reduced-fat (2%) milk to once again be served in school cafeterias—by a vote of 24-10. Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) released the following statement applauding the Committee vote:
“Today’s strong, bipartisan passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce demonstrates the widespread support the bill enjoys in Congress, and among parents, nutritionists and school meals professionals alike. After more than a decade of waiting, it’s time to lift the ban on whole and 2% milk and give children more nutritious choices in school cafeterias. IDFA is grateful to U.S. Reps. Thompson, Schrier and the 98 additional bill cosponsors for their leadership on this issue. We urge the full House and Senate to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.”
Background
Whole and 2% milk provide children with 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. Since whole and 2% milk were banned from school meals menus more than a decade ago, school milk consumption and meal participation have declined, meaning children are consuming fewer essential nutrients. This is especially concerning considering underconsumption of milk and dairy products is prevalent among school-aged children, where between 68% and 94% of school-age boys and girls are failing to meet recommended levels of dairy intake per federal guidelines.
Nutrition science has evolved in the past decade to show neutral or positive benefits of full-fat dairy foods such as whole milk, including less weight gain, neutral or lower risk of heart disease, and lower childhood obesity. Learn more about the importance of milk—especially whole and 2% milk—in the diets of healthy children at www.wholemilkforkids.com.
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Contact: press@idfa.org
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.