On Wednesday, Feb. 25, during the annual Dairy Day at the Capitol, the Senate Agriculture Committee approved legislation championed by Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) to align state law with updated federal policy and bring back milk choices for Minnesota students and families. Westrom shared a video update and released the following statement on his legislation:

 “On Dairy Day at the Capitol, it was fitting that we advanced legislation to bring whole and 2% milk back to Minnesota schools,” said Westrom. “President Trump signed the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, which is part of recent federal efforts to bring more real food options back to America. Now, we’re taking the next step to ensure Minnesota students can also benefit from whole milk and other real foods that have been cut out of school food choices.” 

Senate File 3687 would update Minnesota Statutes to conform to the new federal standards and formally restore those options in Minnesota school lunch programs. The bill also ensures parents may request a non-dairy alternative for their child without needing a doctor’s note. 

“This bill is about giving families more choice, ensuring kids have access to the nutrition milk provides for those who choose it, and supporting our state’s dairy farmers at the same time. That’s a win for students and a win for our dairy farmers.” 

President Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law on Jan. 14, 2026, after the measure passed Congress by unanimous consent and voice votes. The law reverses Obama-era restrictions in place since 2012 that limited milk choices to low-fat and skim varieties only. 

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 children 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.

SF 3687 will now move to the Senate Education Policy Committee for further consideration.