Potential Reintroduction of Whole Milk in Schools Sparks Dairy Industry Interest

In a move that could have significant implications for the dairy industry, Congress is reviewing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 649/S. 222), which proposes allowing whole milk back into school cafeterias. This legislative effort seeks to overturn the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 2012 restrictions, which have limited schools to providing only fat-free or 1% milk.

The debate is occurring against the backdrop of declining fluid milk consumption in the United States, which has seen a nearly 50% drop since 1975, from 247 pounds per person to 128 pounds in 2023. However, other dairy products have seen increased popularity, with cheese consumption more than doubling and yogurt intake rising over 600% in the same period.

Whole milk, specifically, has experienced a resurgence in the beverage category. Between 2013 and 2024, sales of whole and flavored whole milk increased by 16%, adding 2 billion pounds to the market, while sales of reduced-fat milk options have declined.

The proposed legislation aligns with recommendations from the Make America Healthy Again Commission and is seen as a potential way to reconnect children with the taste and nutritional benefits of milk. Additionally, it offers local dairy farms new opportunities to serve their communities amid a broader trend of increased U.S. milk production, which is projected to reach a record high in 2025.

Supporters argue that allowing whole milk in schools could provide a meaningful outlet for butterfat, a significant component of farm milk value, thereby potentially stabilizing and revitalizing the market.

As policymakers, farmers, and processors engage in this discussion, the outcome of this legislative review could play a critical role in shaping the future of dairy consumption in the U.S.