On Tuesday, June 2, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall issued a statement following the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry’s vote to advance the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. The bill aims to expand milk options in schools by reversing an Obama-era policy that removed whole milk from cafeterias.

“Today’s vote was a step to correct a major mistake made during the Obama Administration – and a great start to National Dairy Month,” said Senator Marshall. “Whole and reduced-fat milk should have never been excluded from the National School Lunch Program. Now, 13 years after its removal, nearly 75% of children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. By increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diseases down the road and encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come.”

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nearly 90% of Americans fall short of recommended daily dairy intake, particularly lacking in calcium and vitamin D—both of which are found in whole milk. Leading nutritionists say whole dairy fats do not negatively impact a healthy diet and may even lower the risk of heart disease.

Senator Marshall first introduced the bill in June 2023 and reintroduced it in April 2025 with bipartisan support. It is now headed to the full Senate for a vote before moving on to the House of Representatives.