A school lunch tray at West De Pere Intermediate School. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin farmers are discussing the benefits of whole milk.
It comes as President Donald Trump signed Wednesday the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act”, which returns whole and 2% milk to school lunches. The bill overturned Obama-era limits on higher-fat milk options.
The new bill will not remove skim or 1% milk from school lunches. Rather, those were previously the only kinds of milk that could be served in schools.
Dairy farmers in Wisconsin say it’s a step in the right direction.
“This is something that we have been working with our lawmakers in Washington D.C., and it’s great to see there’s an additional option for children in school,” said Heidi Fischer, Edge Dairy Cooperative board president.
Edge Dairy Cooperative said this bill will help keep the dairy market active.
“With low milk prices right now, any push that we can have with helping move that fluid milk market and bolstering sales, [farmers] are 100% behind this,” Fischer explained.
Jamie Witcpalek, a Northeast Wisconsin dairy farmer and member of Edge Dairy Cooperative, was in the Oval Office as the bill was signed by Trump.
“Our children are growing into active teenagers and athletes, and what do they need? They need strong bones, they need the energy, they need the strong muscles and we are so grateful that the science is there,” she said.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touted the health benefits of whole milk for children during Wednesday’s signing.
“The panoply of nutrients in whole milk is critical to brain development and physical development in our children,” Kennedy said. “Whole and 2% milk provide 13 essential ingredients critical for growth, development, immune system function and overall health including protein, calcium, vitamin D and healthy fats.”
The milk is expected to be integrated as an option for schools by the start of the 2026-27 school year.
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