ODPA Celebrates Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

By Andi Anderson

The Ohio Dairy Producers Association is celebrating the passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, a major step for school nutrition and dairy farmers.

The legislation has passed and is expected to be signed into law by President Trump. It allows school meal programs to offer a wider range of fluid milk choices for students.

Under the new law, schools may offer flavored or unflavored milk that is organic or conventional. The options can include whole milk, reduced fat, low fat, fat free, and lactose free milk. This change gives schools more flexibility to meet student preferences while still supporting nutrition goals.

For more than ten years, dairy organizations across the country have worked toward this outcome. Groups such as the National Milk Producers Federation, the International Dairy Foods Association, and state level organizations, including the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, have consistently supported restoring whole and reduced fat milk choices in schools. Their efforts focused on balancing nutrition guidance with student acceptance and dairy farmer support.

ODPA expressed appreciation to Ohio’s U.S. Representatives and Senators for voting in favor of the legislation. Their support helped move the bill forward and reflects strong backing for dairy farmers and school nutrition programs across the state.

While the passage of the law is an important milestone, ODPA notes that work still remains. Schools, milk processors, and distributors will need time to understand how to apply the new rules and adjust operations. Clear guidance and cooperation across the supply chain will be important as the law moves into the implementation stage.

It is also important to understand that the legislation does not require schools to offer whole or reduced fat milk. Instead, it gives schools the option to do so. Each school district can decide what works best for its students and nutrition programs.

ODPA views the legislation as a positive step for students, schools, and dairy farmers. The organization says it will continue working with partners to support smooth implementation and ensure the new options are understood. With the law passed, attention now turns to education, coordination, and ongoing support for healthy school meals.

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