A growing movement in the United States seeks to reintroduce higher-fat milk into school meals over a decade after it was removed to combat childhood obesity and promote better health. Federal legislators have revived proposals to allow whole and 2% milk back in schools alongside the skim and low-fat options mandated since 2012. A bipartisan-supported bill was recently discussed in a U.S. Senate committee hearing.
Proponents of the initiative, including Sen. John Fetterman, argue that whole milk is a wholesome source of nutrients crucial for children’s growth and health. Some critics assert that federal dietary guidelines advocating low-fat milk are outdated, and advocate for the inclusion of full-fat milk in early childhood programs as well.
The policy to favor skim and low-fat milk in schools started during the Obama administration, aiming to decrease children’s intake of saturated fats and calories, thus lowering risks of heart disease and obesity. However, some nutritionists, lawmakers, and dairy industry representatives claim that whole milk has been unjustly criticized. They also point to studies suggesting kids who consume whole milk might have lower obesity risks. Critics further argue that many children dislike low-fat milk, leading to nutrient deficiencies due to lower consumption.
The elimination of whole milk from schools resulted from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, designed to curb childhood obesity and associated health issues. The legislation required increased whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and low-fat dairy, while reducing sugars, sodium, and fat in school meals. From 2012, whole and 2% milk were excluded due to their higher saturated fat and calorie content.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets nutrition guidelines for the school lunch and breakfast programs, which serve almost 30 million students daily, aligning with federal dietary recommendations that promote low-fat or fat-free dairy from age 2 onward. The 2025-2030 dietary guidelines are due for revision. A panel of scientific experts has advised maintaining the current U.S. policy, citing evidence of stalled obesity rates following changes made since the 2010 law, according to researcher Deanna Hoelscher. The guidelines have shown favorable outcomes, contributing to the decision not to alter the existing policy.
Some recent studies indicate that children who drink whole milk may have a lower likelihood of becoming overweight compared to those consuming reduced-fat milk. A 2020 review suggested a 40% reduced risk, although causality was not established. Notably, Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University highlighted the absence of evidence linking dairy saturated fat with negative health outcomes. The current congressional bills propose exempting milk fat from saturated fat limits in school meals due to beneficial compounds in dairy potentially countering theoretical harms.
Mozaffarian also pointed out the irony in allowing flavored low-fat milk with added sugars while banning whole milk. Following last year’s decision, the USDA restricts added sugars in school meals for the first time. Meanwhile, the dairy industry reports decreasing participation in school meal programs and milk consumption since whole milk’s removal.
The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services must finalize the new dietary guidelines this year. Officials have indicated a comprehensive review of the previous scientific report, but the future acceptance of whole milk remains uncertain. Legislative proposals, known as the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act,” are under consideration in Congress.