President Donald Trump recently signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, a move that permits the reintroduction of whole and 2 percent milk into school cafeterias across the United States. This legislative action, signed in the Oval Office, revises the National School Lunch Program guidelines set forth by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which previously emphasized low-fat and fat-free dairy options to reduce the intake of saturated fats among children.
The signing took place amid a growing debate over federal nutrition policies, particularly concerning dairy fat consumption in school meals. President Trump, highlighting the bill's significance, mentioned, "I’m gonna start drinking a lot of milk," framing the decision as part of a broader review of federal dietary standards. This statement was reported by BizPac Review during the bill signing.
However, the policy change has sparked controversy, with Oregon Representative Maxine Dexter (D) accusing the Trump administration of "white supremacy dog-whistling" through this nutrition policy change. The remarks were made during a town hall meeting at Wy’east Middle School in Hood River, Oregon, and were critical of both the policy and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The change in policy does not mandate schools to offer whole milk but rather restores the ability to do so, maintaining the option for low-fat, fat-free, or lactose-free alternatives based on student needs and local preferences. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided guidance stating that while schools can serve whole milk, they are not required to make any eliminations to their existing milk offerings.
The debate surrounding dairy fat in school meals has evolved, with recent nutritional research suggesting that full-fat dairy may not necessarily be linked to an increased risk of obesity in children. Some studies indicate potential benefits related to satiety and vitamin absorption. These developments have contributed to bipartisan interest in revisiting the previous restrictions, with the Associated Press reporting on the growing scientific discourse.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins expressed support for the policy change, stating, "Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, whole milk is back—and it's the right move for kids, for parents, and for America's dairy farmers," a quote reported by Patriot Fetch.
Approximately 30 million students participate in the National School Lunch Program yearly. Critics of Rep. Dexter's remarks argue that providing whole milk as one of several options does not force consumption and does not remove lactose-free alternatives. The revised law allows local districts to determine which milk varieties best serve their student populations while adhering to federal nutrition standards.
As federal agencies continue to review nutrition science and school meal standards, the discussion over dairy fat consumption could be indicative of a broader conversation regarding the flexibility that states and local districts should have in administering national programs. While some critics perceive the policy change with skepticism, supporters see it as a measured adjustment, placing decision-making closer to the communities involved.
