Students to see more milk options at school

Students at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) will soon have access to whole milk and 2% milk at lunch, thanks to federal legislation signed into law this week.
Congressman Tom Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district, cosponsored the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which allows schools to offer both flavored and unflavored whole milk and 2% milk options. Previously, schools participating in the NSLP could only provide low-fat and fat-free milk varieties under rules established during the Obama administration. This bill restores whole milk and 2% milk, both flavored and unflavored, to schools and protects students’ access to flavored milk.
The change comes as many children fall short of recommended daily dairy intake. The new law gives schools flexibility to offer options that students are more likely to drink. Tiffany had previously blocked an effort by the Biden administration to eliminate flavored milk from schools.
“Whole milk supports bone growth and development, and schools should offer nutritious options kids enjoy,” Congressman Tiffany said. “With most kids not getting enough daily dairy intake, this is a win for our children, dairy farmers, and America’s Dairyland.”
President Donald Trump signed the legislation on Jan. 14, 2026.