For Immediate Release: December 15, 2025
Contacts: William Whisler, Director of Communications 717-724-9425 | wrwhisler@pfb.com
Bailey Fisher, Director of Government Affairs 717-731-3585 I bmfisher@pfb.com
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is pleased that the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, by voice vote on Monday. The bill, introduced by Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Kim Schrier (D-WA), now moves to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law. H.R. 649 allows whole and 2% milk, both flavored and unflavored, in schools to supplement the existing availability of low-fat and fat-free milk.
In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act which eliminated whole and two percent milk from schools. Fat is what gives milk its flavor. Currently, schools offer one percent and/or fat-free milk. Children are less likely to choose one percent or skim milk because its flavor and nutrition have been stripped away. The bill did not adhere to science-based nutritional facts regarding milk.
“I have worked for a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today,” said Rep. Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love. I am proud that my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed the House today and now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”
Pediatricians have agreed that without whole milk, children are losing out on the 21 essential minerals and 13 vitamins necessary for healthy development. Medical research has proven that whole milk has several health benefits, such as strong bone density, a healthier immune system, reducing cardiovascular risk, lowering blood pressure, reducing hunger craving, reducing type 2 diabetes risk, and increasing sleep quality.
Congress’ intent was to reduce childhood obesity with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, yet highly processed food is still permitted, which led to increasing body mass index scores in students.
In fact, a study showed that children consuming whole milk had 40% less risk of being overweight. The myth was that whole milk’s 3.25% fat content is causing weight gain. When the beverage is 97 percent fat-free and is the least processed type of milk, it is common sense that whole milk is not the culprit of childhood obesity.
“Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members have waited over a decade to see progress made on getting whole and two percent milk back in schools. Today, the House had a historic vote for the dairy industry by passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025,” PFB President Chris Hoffman said. “We are thrilled to once again offer students one of the most nutritious and wholesome beverages to support a healthy childhood development. We look forward to restoring nutritious beverage options in schools and growing the current pool of fluid milk consumers. We urge President Trump to swiftly sign this bill into law.”
“Returning whole milk to schools is a win-win for children and dairy farmers. Students will have more access to important protein and vitamins, and it is a step toward helping the struggling farm economy,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said.“Farm Bureau has long advocated for this commonsense legislation, and we appreciate the House for passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. We look forward to the president quickly sign this bill which will benefit families across America.”
The bill is also important in meeting the nutritional needs of students. School meals are an opportunity for students who come from a low-income family to receive fresh and nutritious food and beverages.
-30-
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania.
Latest PFB News
Search News Stories:
Learn About Farm Bureau
