WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2026 — In a major shift for U.S. school nutrition policy, President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, allowing whole and 2 % milk to return to school lunch programs after more than a decade of restrictions. The law overturns portions of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act championed during the Obama administration, which limited milk served in schools to low-fat and fat-free options in an effort to reduce calorie and saturated fat intake among children.
What the New Law Changes
Under the updated legislation, schools participating in the National School Lunch Program can now serve:
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Whole milk
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2 % milk
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Traditional low-fat (1 %) and fat-free milk
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Lactose-free milk
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Non-dairy milk alternatives that meet federal nutritional standards, with parental notes accepted for dietary restrictions rather than requiring a doctor’s note.
Government and Industry Reactions
At the signing ceremony, Trump emphasized bipartisan support for expanding milk choices, saying whole milk can be enjoyed across the political spectrum.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the new law as a “long-overdue correction to school nutrition policy,” while dairy industry leaders welcomed the decision as a win for children’s nutrition and choice. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the update corrects a “short-sighted” policy that removed higher-fat milk options more than a decade ago.New Dietary Guidelines and Nutrition Debate
The bill’s passage comes shortly after the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which for the first time emphasize full-fat dairy as part of a healthy diet. Previous guidelines had recommended that children older than age 2 consume low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Nutrition experts remain divided:
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Some research suggests that children who drink whole milk may be less likely to become overweight compared with those who drink low-fat versions.
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Others continue to support lower-fat dairy to help limit overall calorie and saturated fat intake.
The law also exempts milk fat from being counted toward federal limits on saturated fat in school meals, a regulatory change that may influence broader meal planning.
Implementation and School Considerations
Although the law was signed in January 2026, whole milk may not appear immediately in every cafeteria. Schools must work with suppliers, assess demand, and adjust lunch menus, a process that could take several weeks or longer in some districts.
Cost and logistics may challenge some school systems, especially in regions with limited access to multiple milk supply options.Broader Impact and Future Outlook
Supporters of the legislation argue that offering a wider range of milk choices could increase overall milk consumption among students, reduce food waste, and respect dietary preferences. Critics caution that shifting federal nutrition policy should be accompanied by strong education on balanced eating habits.
With full-fat dairy now part of federal lunch options again, nutritionists, parents, and policymakers will be watching how schools balance these changes with broader health goals in the years ahead
President Trump signs a new law allowing whole milk and 2% milk in U.S. school lunches, reversing Obama-era limits. Learn how this affects nutrition standards, student meals, and milk options in cafeterias.