Ernst Celebrates Passage of Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa marked the passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law on Thursday, celebrating what she called a win for students, schools and Iowa’s dairy farmers.

The bill, which Ernst cosponsored, advanced out of the U.S. Senate late last year and overturns an Obama-era restriction that limited the types of milk served in school meal programs. With the bill now signed into law, schools are once again allowed to offer whole milk and 2% milk as part of federally supported meals.

Ernst said the change restores choice for schools while supporting Iowa’s agricultural economy.

“I’m udderly thrilled that President Trump is restoring choice for Iowa schools and supporting our Iowa dairy farmers by signing this bill into law,” Ernst said. “Now, Iowans can receive the full, nutritious benefits of whole milk and Iowa can continue leading the way in dairy production.”

The senator has long advocated for Iowa’s dairy industry and has consistently supported efforts to expand milk options in school nutrition programs. Supporters of the legislation argue that whole and reduced-fat milk provide important nutrients for growing children and that allowing more options will increase student participation in school meal programs.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is expected to impact schools nationwide while providing a boost to dairy producers in states like Iowa, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy.