New England Dairy cannot take a position on legislation and policy. This information is for educational purposes only.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was signed into law on January 14 with bipartisan support. The law allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer a broader range of milk options.
About the Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act
The legislation amends the National School Lunch Act, allowing schools participating in federal meal programs to serve flavored and unflavored whole, reduced-fat (2%), low-fat, fat-free, and lactose-free milk. This reverses a 2012 regulation that limited schools to only low-fat and fat-free milk options.
The law also:
- Continues to require that schools offer fluid milk with each meal.
- Maintains the requirement that schools offer more than one milk variety, based on the school’s choice.
- Exempts milk from counting toward the 10% weekly limit on calories from saturated fat.
- Expands eligibility for milk substitute certification for students with disabilities to include parents or legal guardians (in addition to physicians), while allowing schools to offer nutritionally equivalent non-dairy beverages at their discretion.
Implementation Considerations
The legislation makes offering whole and 2% milk optional, not a requirement.
As with any regulatory change to school meals, decisions will depend on factors including product availability, cost, student acceptance, and menu nutrient standards.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued program implementation guidance to school nutrition officials, noting that implementation can begin immediately with the National School Lunch Program. It’s important to note that this change isn’t applicable to other child nutrition programs, such as the National School Breakfast Program, at this time. Schools that can manage costs and address logistical challenges, including the availability of 8 oz. cartons of 2% and whole milk and existing contracts with processors and distributors for lower fat varieties, may proceed now with school lunch.
What We’re Doing
The good news is that our team has spoken with many school nutrition directors who have expressed interest in including whole and 2% milk on their menus. In partnership with the National Dairy Council, our team is supporting schools by:
- Leveraging the registered dietitians on our team to communicate the benefits of whole milk and the science that supports its inclusion in a healthy eating pattern to school stakeholders, health professionals, and parents.
- Amplifying positive messaging on dairy’s role in childhood health and wellness at all fat levels to consumers through social media and earned media pitching.
- Surveying school nutrition professionals to better understand the interest and potential barriers to serving 2% and whole milk.
- Communicating updates into accessible educational materials and best practices for school nutrition professionals, co-ops/processors, and other industry partners.
We will keep you informed on implementation plans and timeline as we learn more. For specific questions about the legislation, we recommend contacting National Milk Producers Federation.