Good nutrition is a cornerstone of childhood health and development, and milk plays an unparalleled role in providing the nutrients kids need to grow and thrive. Milk is the number one source of protein for children 2-11. It’s also the top source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for kids ages 2-18. And milk provides 13 essential nutrients, regardless of whether it’s skim, low-fat, reduced-fat or whole.  

But most kids and adolescents don’t meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans daily dairy intake recommendations. Children drink less milk — and throw more of it away — when they don’t have the same choices in school that they have at home. Whole milk is the most consumed variety in America, followed by 2%, yet neither is allowed in federal school meal programs. A recent survey of American parents shows that 43% and 35% — nearly 8 in 10 total — believe that whole milk and 2% milk, respectively, are the healthiest options for their children. 

Allowing students to choose the type of milk they drink is an easy way to improve their nutrition. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 (H.R. 649; S.222) would expand the popular, healthy milk options schools can choose to serve and improve students’ nutritional intake. This important nutrition legislation has passed the Senate unanimously; now we just need the House to bring this legislation to the floor for a vote. You can help support it by urging your congressional representatives to vote yes on this bill as soon as the House returns from Thanksgiving recess.