President Trump Signs Law Restoring Whole Milk to School Cafeterias Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move hailed by supporters as a victory for both American agriculture and child nutrition, President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law on January 19, 2026. The legislation restores whole milk to school cafeterias across the country, reversing a policy enacted during the Obama administration that limited milk fat content in school meals.
During the Obama years, federal guidelines shifted school milk offerings away from whole milk in an effort to reduce saturated fat consumption among children. This change, however, drew criticism from some nutrition experts and farmers alike, who argued that whole milk provides essential nutrients and supports dairy farmers struggling under economic pressures. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, a vocal advocate for nutrition reform, praised the new law as a restoration of “real food” options for children and a boost to American farmers.
“President Obama took whole milk from kids, but President Trump is restoring nutrition and hope to our farms,” Rollins said in a statement. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, sponsored by Senators Roger Marshall of Kansas and Peter Welch of Vermont, along with Representatives Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania and Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, aims to expand market opportunities for dairy producers while providing children with access to more nutrient-rich milk options.
The legislation aligns with recent shifts in nutritional science that recognize the benefits of whole milk, including its role in supporting healthy growth and development in children. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, school meal programs have long been a critical source of nutrition for millions of children, and offering whole milk is seen as a step toward improving dietary quality.
Beyond nutrition, the law is expected to have a positive economic impact on the American dairy industry. The dairy sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, including fluctuating milk prices and competition from plant-based alternatives. By increasing demand for whole milk in schools, the government aims to support farmers and rural communities dependent on dairy production.
Experts note that this policy shift also reflects broader debates about food regulation and agricultural policy in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has emphasized the importance of balancing health guidelines with the economic realities of farming, and this legislation is seen as an example of that approach.
While some public health advocates remain cautious, arguing for continued attention to saturated fat intake, others welcome the return of whole milk as part of a more nuanced understanding of childhood nutrition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor dietary trends and health outcomes related to school nutrition programs.
President Trump’s signing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act marks a notable policy reversal and underscores his administration’s focus on supporting American agriculture and revisiting federal nutrition standards. As schools begin to implement the new guidelines, stakeholders across the country will be watching closely to assess the law’s impact on children’s health and the dairy industry.
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