Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 222, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.

For nearly 80 years, the National School Lunch Program has provided low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. We know that healthy diets can improve student success both in and out of the classroom. Whole milk is a nutrient-rich food, and its higher fat content allows children to stay fuller longer.

Unfortunately, misconceptions about certain types of fat or calories have prevented schools from offering whole milk as an option to our children. The bill gives us a chance to ensure that children have access to nutritional milk options they want to drink.

Some children struggle to consume enough of the right calories to support healthy growth and stay energized throughout the entire school day. For some, school meals may be the only meals they receive that day.

This notion that whole milk consumption is linked to childhood obesity is deeply flawed. In fact, studies suggest that higher cow's milk-fat intake is associated with a lower risk of childhood obesity. While it is important to limit fatty, sugary, and highly processed foods, whole milk does not fit into this category. In fact, many schoolchildren are at risk of dairy underconsumption, not overconsumption.

Whole milk provides critical nutrition for growing minds. We need to follow the science and pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

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