WASHINGTON, D.C. — Each with a glass of whole milk in hand, Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) exemplified the strong bipartisan support that led S. 222 Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act over the Senate hurdle on November 20th on unanimous consent.

The American Dairy Coalition (ADC) takes note that Whole Milk Champion, Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson said that he expects the vote to come right after Thanksgiving with a similar outcome as in December 2023 when a comparable version of the Bill passed overwhelmingly 330 to 91 in the previous legislative session.

Both USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are on record supporting whole milk’s return to schools as part of the MAHA Commission’s nutrition action framework, positioning this bill for rapid signature once it reaches the President’s desk.

“We are thrilled to see the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act gain passage in the Senate. Our grassroots dairy farmers produce a wholesome and delicious product that our nation’s school children should be able to choose,” said American Dairy Coalition CEO Laurie Fischer. “Now, whole milk is closer than ever to returning to school cafeterias nationwide. On behalf of our grassroots dairy farmers, we at ADC are thankful to the members of Congress who have worked for this moment, and look forward to its passage in the House.”

“We look forward to kids once again having the freedom to choose whole milk at school and for schools can once again to be allowed to offer this nutritious option without the fear of losing federal meal and education dollars. Scientific evidence supports fuller fat milk and dairy as an excellent source of vital nutrients and other health benefits. Bottomline: It brings flavor back to the table so students can enjoy and benefit from all that real dairy milk has to offer them,” Fischer added.