Milk is once again at the center of a national nutrition conversation.
A new federal law, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, allows whole and 2% milk to be served in public school meals, reversing a policy that for more than a decade limited schools to low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk. While the change may sound simple, it raises important questions for families and schools about nutrition, choices and children’s health.
First, what has actually changed?
Schools participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs now have the option to offer whole and reduced-fat milk alongside low-fat and fat-free options. Schools can decide what to serve based on student preferences, budgets and nutrition goals. The law also makes it easier for families to request non-dairy milk alternatives, like soy milk or oat milk, which is important for children with allergies, lactose intolerance or cultural dietary needs. These plant-based milks must be fortified and meet the same nutritional profile as cow’s milk when it comes to nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals.
Why bring whole milk back into schools?
Supporters argue that many children simply don’t drink low-fat or skim milk, leading to wasted cartons and missed nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein. Research shows that dairy consumption among children has declined over the years and some observational studies suggest that full-fat dairy is not clearly associated with higher-obesity risk. In fact, some studies link full-fat dairy to greater satiety and similar or even lower body weight outcomes compared to lower-fat versions.
At the same time, concerns from public health experts are worth taking seriously. Whole milk contains more saturated fat, and most children already consume more saturated fat than recommended. Long-standing evidence links high saturated fat intake to increased cardiovascular risk over time. While milk is just one part of the diet, critics worry that expanding access to whole milk in schools could make it harder for school meals to meet overall nutrition standards designed to protect long-term health.
So, what does this mean for families?
Ultimately, milk choice matters less than the overall diet. Whether a child drinks whole milk or low-fat milk, what counts is the total dietary pattern, including whether kids are eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains and adequate protein while limiting added sugars and ultra-processed foods. For younger children, those with higher calorie needs, or kids who struggle to eat enough, whole milk can be a reasonable option. For others, especially those already getting plenty of saturated fat outside of school from foods such as fast foods, certain meats, baked goods, processed snack foods, cheese and many others, low-fat milk may still make sense.
For schools, this policy offers flexibility, but also responsibility. Offering choice can help reduce waste and increase participation in school meals, which is a public health win. At the same time, schools should continue prioritizing balanced menus and nutrition education, so families understand how milk fits into a healthy eating pattern.
For parents and caregivers, this isn’t a signal that nutrition science has “flipped” nor that one type of milk is suddenly best for everyone. It’s a reminder that nutrition recommendations evolve, trade-offs exist and one food rarely makes or breaks a child’s overall health. This law aligns with the overall sentiment of the new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which prioritizes whole food fats while intensifying the importance of reducing added sugars. This translates to emphasizing whole milk over low-fat flavored milk, for example.
The bottom line is that milk, whether it’s whole, low-fat or nondairy, is just one piece of the puzzle. Supporting kids’ health means focusing less on fear or headlines and more on balance, access, personalization and meeting children and families where they are.
LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email at RD@halfacup.com.
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