Tag: whole milk

Whole milk is back. What now?

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By Miquela Hanselman, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Whole milk has made a splash recently in federal government policy. Years of effort by the National Milk Producers Federation to maintain dairy’s prominence in American diets and regain support for dairy products of all fat levels culminated in the Jan. 7 release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by the Department of Health and Human Services and USDA. One week later, President Donald Trump signed into law the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which allows schools to offer milk of any fat level for student meals.

The dietary guidelines are updated every five years and affect government policies in numerous ways, such as guiding what can be served in school meal programs. The latest guidelines emphasize consuming “whole, nutrient-dense foods,” which includes the continued recommendation of three servings of dairy per day for those consuming a 2,000-calorie diet, and explicitly endorsing full-fat dairy consumption — including whole milk — a marked departure from previous guidelines that only recommended low- and nonfat milk. Additionally, these guidelines take a more aggressive stance on limiting added sugars.

Now that the new dietary guidelines have been released and the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is now a law, USDA is in charge of implementing these changes by applying them across federal nutrition programs. USDA has already released a memo detailing the implementation requirements for the National School Lunch Program, which will help school districts across the country as they make purchasing decisions for upcoming school years. But the National School Lunch Program is not the only program affected; the school breakfast as well as the Special Milk and the Child and Adult Care Food programs will also need updates about what type of milk can be offered.

This is where the federal rulemaking process comes into play. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are the official nutrition guidance for all federal food programs, and for some of these, such as the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the law explicitly requires periodic updates to maintain consistency with the DGA. To do this, USDA proposes new regulations, or rules, which the public can review and comment on before the rule is final. This multi-step process can be lengthy, which is why USDA and other agencies often publish guidance that people can use in the meantime.

So, yes. Whole milk is back, but it might be a little while longer before you see it back on student meal trays.

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on Feb. 5, 2026.

Dairy Farmers Need Assistance; NMPF Explores Options

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

 

With milk prices and margins projected to be low for several months, NMPF is looking for options to help farmers through harder times, NMPF Executive Vice President Alan Bjerga said in an interview with RFD-TV. Aid to help get whole milk in schools, USDA commodity purchases and enhancements to farmer risk-management portfolios are all tools that could help.

Whole Milk Goes Back to Schools

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

With President Trump’s signature — and NMPF cooperative members in attendance to witness — the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act became law Jan. 14. Focus now shifts to USDA implementation.

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives couldn’t be more thrilled that whole and 2% milk is returning to school meals,” NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement upon signing. “Dairy is a nutrition powerhouse that should be used to its fullest potential — and that means making it available in the same varieties families consume at home.”

Kevin Satterwhite and Thomas French, dairy producers with Maola, attended the bill signing at the White House to celebrate the legislative victory.

Focus now shifts to USDA implementation. The department published guidance for schools on the updated fluid milk requirements for school lunch programs Jan. 14. The department will move forward with formal rulemaking in the months ahead to address both whole milk and the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

NMPF will be actively involved in the rulemaking process, working to ensure schools have the support they need to include whole milk on their menus.

“We are ready to help schools and USDA in any way we can as this important legislation is implemented,” Doud said in his statement. “We thank the Trump administration, our advocates on Capitol Hill, and everyone who has worked to make school meals better through increased access to dairy.”

Why Dairy’s Moment Matters

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Dairy’s moment is extending into 2026. In many ways, it’s strengthening.

Whole milk is coming back into schools — after being explicitly kept out of recent editions of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, there it is, specifically included in the new inverted Food Pyramid.

Cheese, butter and yogurt are on the icon too, part of a federal emphasis on whole foods as dairy not only matches the moment, it matches the science, too.

Dairy farmers and their cooperatives are no doubt delighted. With apologies to the Wisconsin state license plate, which calls that state “America’s Dairyland,” perhaps we should say that everywhere, America is Dairyland. But victory dances aside, it’s important to remember why all this matters. For a refresher:

  • Dairy is a critical, affordable source of high-quality nutrition
    • Protein: It provides all essential amino acids, which are vital for muscle repair and growth.
    • Bone Health: It’s an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which builds strong bones and prevents osteoporosis.
    • Immune Support: It’s a major source of vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin A, bolstering immune function.
    • Micronutrient Powerhouse: It includes potassium (for blood pressure), B vitamins (energy), magnesium (nerve function), and iodine (brain development), nutrients under-consumed by much of the U.S. population.
    • Cost-Effective: Dairy provides significant nutrients for a low cost per serving, making it a budget-friendly way to get essential vitamins and minerals.
    • Reduced Chronic Disease Risk: Dairy-rich diets are linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
  • Because accepting dairy at all fat levels and acknowledging its diversity encourages greater access to and consumption of that nutrition
    • Full-Fat Dairy Tastes Good: The richer and creamier taste of fuller-fat dairy appeals to more people, encouraging greater intake.
    • Nutritional Powerhouse: School programs can leverage dairy’s 13 essential nutrients to meet children’s needs.
    • The “Food Matrix” Advantage: The natural combination of fat, protein, and other components (the “food matrix”) in whole dairy might offer benefits beyond isolated nutrients, including better weight management and lowered diabetes risk.
    • Satiety & Weight: Full-fat dairy’s fat and protein content can increase fullness, potentially leading to fewer total calories consumed.
    • Product Diversity and Versatility: Dairy’s wide range of products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, and lactose-free or low-lactose options, fits diverse dietary needs; offering it at all fat levels ensures more people consume dairy.
  • Because dairy supports rural communities and families nationwide
    • Jobs: The dairy industry supports millions of jobs, from farm labor and processing to transportation, boosting rural economies.
    • Sustaining Family Farms: 95% of U.S. dairy farms are family-owned, keeping wealth and decision-making within a community.
    • Fighting Food Insecurity: Dairy farmers and organizations partner with food banks to provide essential nutrients to vulnerable populations.
    • Local Engagement: Dairy farms and co-ops sponsor local events, support school programs, and contribute to local infrastructure, building strong community ties.

And all these benefits are only scratching the surface. U.S. dairy also feeds the world; U.S. dairy farmers are sustainability leaders; and (speaking of moments) birthday parties just go better with ice cream. The endorsements dairy has received at the highest levels of government in recent weeks strengthens all of this. And its recognition that’s come after years of leadership and effort throughout the dairy industry.

Moments are important. They don’t last forever: Rules will be written, and critics will find new lines of attack. All isn’t rosy in the world of dairy, where lower prices are making times challenging for farmers even as demand reaches new heights. But dairy is succeeding in many ways. It’s something to raise a glass to — we’ll leave it to you to guess what that glass should appropriately contain.

 

NMPF’s Bjerga on Policy Wins in Challenging Times

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

 

NMPF Executive Vice President Alan Bjerga discusses how dairy policy wins are helping to support farmers in a difficult economic environment in an interview with RFD-TV. With U.S. dairy cow numbers at a three-decade high and production increasing globally, legislation such as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and support from the Dairy Margin Coverage Program, which was reauthorized last year, and the new NEXT export-assistance initiative, will help farmers manage through challenging times, with additional solutions being explored.

Whole Milk in Schools Becoming Law, and Dairy Celebrates

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Years of legislative effort ended with victory for schoolchildren, dairy farmers and their cooperatives as Congress passed and a presidential signature is imminent for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a landmark restoration of choice in school meals.

The legislation gives schools the option of serving whole and 2% milk varieties in federally funded programs, returning fuller-fat varieties that had been left out of lunches since federal rules in 2012 pushed them out. Overwhelming congressional support, backed by newer nutrition science and pro-milk public sentiment, made legislation once considered aspirational a reality for dairy.

“It’s hard to overstate the significance of congressional passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, not only because it represents major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but also because of what it says about how persistent, long-term effort can still bring bipartisan success in Congress,” NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement.

“Since 2012, when federal nutrition rules took whole and 2% milk out of school meals programs, dairy farmers and their cooperatives have pointed out the flaws in that decision, which wasn’t aligned with consumer choice. What was true then became even more true in years to come, as newer research consistently showed the value of milk at all fat levels and consumers moved even further toward fuller-fat varieties in their purchases.

“And now the day has arrived. We thank Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania and Representative Kim Schrier of Washington for their critical roles in championing the most recent version of this important legislation to the finish line and the many other congressional leaders who preceded them in their efforts to protect access to nutritious milk in schools. Dairy doesn’t succeed without tireless advocates on Capitol Hill, and it’s been an honor to work with these members and their staff in this effort.

NMPF led the way in congressional lobbying, with Executive Vice President Paul Bleiberg’s efforts singled out in Senate and House floor speeches backing the measure. NMPF has approached the issue on multiple fronts. From working with senators and House members to meeting with USDA to filing regulatory comments, NMPF worked to successfully reinstate 1% flavored milk in school meal programs in 2022, setting the stage for further advances in whole milk.

The legislative lift complete, the next step will be USDA implementation, as dairy cooperatives prepare to supply schools with whole milk. NMPF will be monitoring developments closely and keeping members in the loop as whole and 2% milk returns to school meals. Meanwhile, the organization eagerly implements the announcement of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which also is expected to support dairy at all fat levels.

NMPF’s Bjerga on What’s Next for Whole Milk

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

 

NMPF Executive Vice President Alan Bjerga discusses what comes next for whole milk in schools in an interview with WEKZ Radio in Janesville, WI. Passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in Congress will bring whole milk to the next generation of milk-drinkers and ultimately boost dairy prices, but in the meantime logistical and regulatory issues will need to be sorted out. Meanwhile, farmers may see a DMC payment in December as prices decline due to supply issues, and a bright outlook for trade is being boosted further with Senate confirmation of a new chief agricultural trade negotiator.  Bjerga also explains why people are freezing their eggnog for use later in the year, and why horses ate better than humans for much of the 20th century.

NMPF Celebrates House Passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

From NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud:

“It’s hard to overstate the significance of congressional passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, not only because it represents major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but also because of what it says about how persistent, long-term effort can still bring bipartisan success in Congress.

“Since 2012, when federal nutrition rules took whole and 2% milk out of school meals programs, dairy farmers and their cooperatives have pointed out the flaws in that decision, which wasn’t aligned with consumer choice. What was true then became even more true in years to come, as newer research consistently showed the value of milk at all fat levels and consumers moved even further toward fuller-fat varieties in their purchases.

“And now the day has arrived. We thank Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania and Representative Kim Schrier of Washington for their critical roles in championing the most recent version of this important legislation to the finish line and the many other congressional leaders who preceded them in their efforts to protect access to nutritious milk in schools . Dairy doesn’t succeed without tireless advocates on Capitol Hill, and it’s been an honor to work with these members and their staffs in this effort.

“The next step, after a presidential signature, is implementation. We pledge our fullest support to federal officials and school districts across the nation to help with implementation of this important legislation. Congress made a positive difference today. We are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Whole Milk Nearly Back in Schools as NMPF Leads Advocacy

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

U.S. Senate passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act opens a path to congressional passage this month, with NMPF leading an advocacy campaign to ensure prompt House of Representatives approval of legislation that will benefit children’s nutrition.

The Senate unanimously passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Nov. 20, leaving only House passage and a presidential signature before improved access to dairy nutrition in schools becomes law. The bill provides schools with the option of serving whole and 2% milk in addition to the 1%, fat-free, and flavored options currently offered.

Whole and 2% milk are the most consumed varieties at home, offering the same 13 essential nutrients including protein, calcium and vitamin D with a taste kids often prefer.

“Restoring schools’ option to offer whole and reduced-fat milk will mean more schoolkids will get the essential nutrients they need,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement after Senate passage. “This commonsense legislation will help American children get back on solid nutritional footing. We’re grateful that both sides of the aisle can come together and agree on the importance of making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children.”

Following the Senate’s action, NMPF last week launched a final advocacy campaign to get whole milk over the finish line and into schools. Dairy farmers and advocates wishing to urge their House members to bring the legislation to a floor vote can visit NMPF’s advocacy page and enter their message. NMPF is staying active on social media and in news outlets, pushing to get the bill on the House calendar.

USDA removed whole and 2% milk from school meals programs beginning in 2012 as part of an effort to slow obesity in American kids, a move based on science and nutrition advice that is now outdated. Research over the past decade has found that milk at all fat levels has a neutral or positive effect on health outcomes, ranging from obesity and diabetes to heart disease.

A bill similar to this year’s overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives in 2023 but stalled in the Senate. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson, R-PA, has led the charge in the House on this issue for years, with Rep. Kim Schrier, D-WA, as coauthor, and this bill is expected to pass with strong bipartisan support once again.

The Senate legislation was co-sponsored by Sens. Roger Marshall, R-KS, Peter Welch, D-VT, Dave McCormick, R-PA, and John Fetterman, D-PA. Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman, R-AR, and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, led the committee in approving the bill by voice vote in June.

NMPF’s Bjerga on the Push for Whole Milk

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

NMPF Executive Vice President Alan Bjerga tells viewers how they can get involved in the push to put whole milk back on school lunch menus in an interview with RFD-TV. NMPF has put a call to action on its website, nmpf.org, which allows Americans to write their lawmakers, urging them to vote “Yes” on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation has already passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House easily — if it can get onto an already crowded floor schedule.

 

MAHA Strategy Supports Dairy as NMPF Urges Whole Milk Action

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

The formal release of the Make America Health Again Commission’s report on Sept. 9 gave NMPF a chance to tout dairy’s critical place in nutrition and the science behind milk’s benefits.

“The MAHA Commission’s Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy recognizes what the latest science indicates and what we’ve long been saying: that getting whole milk back into schools and boosting dairy in diets helps meet America’s nutritional needs, and that it is critical to improving the health of our nation’s children,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement upon the report’s release.

“To further assist in dairy’s positive contributions to a healthier nation, we also urge Congress to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would provide schools the opportunity to serve the nutritious whole and 2% milk that school kids love and codify into law the endorsement given in the administration’s report.”

The MAHA strategy, aimed toward reducing childhood chronic illnesses, highlighted upcoming efforts to better align federal nutrition programs with scientific evidence, including overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of dairy at all fat levels.