Representative Schrier’s Bill to Improve Children’s Nutrition Passes the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), by a vote of 330-99. This bipartisan legislation aims to improve the quality and nutrition of school lunches by allowing for reduced fat (2%) and whole milk to be served in public schools. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this bill by Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.  

Whole milk has been prohibited in school lunches for over a decade due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. That billchanged nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program and mandated that flavored milk be fat-free and traditional milk be, at most, 1% fat. Since the bill was enacted and whole milk was banned from school lunches, per capita milk consumption among children has steadily declined.  

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act amends the nutrition standards and allows for flavored and unflavored reduced-fat (2%) and whole milk to be served in school lunches.  

“As a pediatrician, I have spent my career dedicated to the well-being of children and I know how important adequate nutrition is for growing kids,” said Rep. Schrier. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth, improved academic performance, and a strong foundation for healthy eating habits as an adult. Milk, which provides essential calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D, is an essential part of that diet. Whole milk is a filling, nutritious option that will help ensure that our children are well-fed and healthy.”   

"Milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, offering 13 essential nutrients and numerous health benefits. However, out-of-touch and outdated federal regulations have imposed restrictions on the types of milk students have access to in school meals,” said Rep. Thompson. “I am pleased to see my bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act pass out of the United States House of Representatives, and I ultimately look forward to restoring access to these nutritious beverages in schools across the country." 

“Darigold, one of the nation’s largest dairy producers, along with our 300 farmer-owners, is pleased to offer its support for HR 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Those of us in the dairy sector know first-hand that high-quality dairy products are a great source of key nutrients,” said Allan Huttema, dairy farmer and chairman and interim CEO of Darigold. “Too many children and adolescents don’t get enough dairy in their diets and this important legislation would help ensure that more of them benefit from the nutrient density and great taste of fresh, whole milk. We appreciate Rep. Schier’s leadership on this issue; as a pediatrician there is not a more credible advocate in Congress. We thank Reps. Schrier and Thompson for sponsoring HR 1147 and the House of Representatives for passing it.”  

“NMPF applauds Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Kim Schrier for their leadership in increasing students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. “This bipartisan measure helps address kids’ underconsumption of the vital nutrients milk provides. This bill allows schools to offer students healthful milk options that they are more likely to choose to drink by expanding the milk options schools can choose to serve to also include the most popular and also nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties. NMPF thanks Representatives Thompson and Schrier for spearheading this bipartisan, commonsense, widely supported solution to address students’ nutrition insecurity across the U.S.”   

“IDFA applauds the strong bipartisan passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association. “This bill would allow schools to once again provide children with a wide variety of milk options that they will drink and that meet their individual needs—whether that be whole and 2%, low-fat milks, or lactose-free milks. Whole milk and reduced-fat milks alike provide children with 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering these options increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents. IDFA is grateful to Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Rep. Kim Schrier, and the many other lawmakers who for years have championed this effort to reinstate the full suite nutritious milk options in school meals. We strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation.” 

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is supported by Darigold, National Milk Producers Federation, International Dairy Foods Association, Nutrition Coalition, and dozens more.