Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) applauds President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday, Jan. 14, signed bipartisan legislation that restores whole and 2% milk to school lunch menus. The federal law also ensures parents can choose a non-dairy option for their child if requested, without needing a doctor’s note.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 reverses Obama-era restrictive rules in place since 2012 that limited milk choices to low-fat and skim varieties, giving families more flexibility in school nutrition.
“Thanks to President Trump, whole and 2% milk are back in schools, giving kids more healthy choices and the nutrition they need, along with providing parents the choice they deserve,” said Westrom. “Michelle Obama removed these options more than a decade ago to reduce childhood obesity, and national childhood obesity rates have not improved since then. Milk provides healthy fats, protein, calcium, and vitamins that children need to grow strong for those who choose it. This federal legislation supports Minnesota’s dairy economy by giving dairy farmers enhanced opportunities to supply whole and 2% milk to schools, which many students prefer and will drink more if given more options. It’s a win-win!”
The signing ceremony included President Trump, several members of Congress from both parties, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and representatives of the dairy industry. The bill also received wide bipartisan support, reflecting agreement on giving families more choices in school meals.
Building on the new federal law, Westrom plans to look into introducing legislation in the Minnesota Senate to align the state with the restored “whole milk” and “real food” options for Minnesota students. Westrom notes that healthy discussions should ensue as many Minnesotans keep an open mind about healthy diets.
Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that children who drink whole milk are not at higher risk of being overweight or obese compared with children who drink lower-fat milk. A 2020 review of 28 studies found that kids who consumed whole milk had lower odds of being overweight or obese than those who drank reduced-fat milk, though researchers note more studies are needed to confirm why.