The U.S. Senate last week passed a bill that would allow whole and 2% milk to be served in schools.

The bill, Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer flavored and unflavored organic or nonorganic whole, reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free fluid milk and lactose-free milk, as well as non-dairy beverages that meet standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“This is a win-win for kids and dairy farmers because the nutritional benefits of whole milk are now broadly known,” American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall said. “By lifting the restrictions on whole and reduced-fat 2% milk in schools, kids have more access to important protein, calcium and vitamins.”

The legislation aligns with recommendations from the Make America Healthy Again Commission.

It would revitalize a category that has steadily lost market share and reconnect children to the benefits and taste of milk, supporters say.

“Many thanks to the bipartisan leadership from Sens. Welch and Marshall, as well as that from Chairman Boozman and Ranking Member Klobuchar, for getting the bill across the finish line in the Senate,” Duvall said.

School milk accounts for nearly 8% of fluid milk demand, making it a significant market driver, too.

“This vote follows letters from AFBF to the president and Congress that, among other priorities, urged for the restoration of whole milk in schools to ensure children have access to nutritious dairy products,” Duvall said. “The availability of whole milk in schools is a step toward helping the struggling agricultural economy. We look forward to working with Congress and President Trump to advance priorities that benefit families and America’s farmers.”

The measure now goes to the U.S. House for approval.