# Plain Language Summary: Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2021

Right now, federal rules for school lunch programs limit the types of milk that schools can serve to students. Schools are required to offer low-fat or fat-free milk options, but whole milk isn't allowed. This bill would change that by giving schools the option to serve whole milk alongside the other milk choices they already offer.

The practical effect is straightforward: if this bill passes, schools participating in the federal school lunch program could decide to add whole milk to their milk options. Students would then have more choices—they could pick whole milk, reduced-fat milk, low-fat milk, fat-free milk, or flavored versions of any of these. Schools wouldn't be required to serve whole milk; it would simply be permitted as an option. The bill also keeps an existing rule in place that requires schools to provide milk substitutes for students with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from drinking regular milk, as long as a doctor provides written documentation.

This change mainly affects school cafeterias and the families of school-age children. Parents and nutrition advocates have different views on whether this is a good idea—some believe whole milk is healthier and more nutritious for growing children, while others worry about the higher fat and calorie content compared to lower-fat options. Either way, the bill gives schools flexibility to make their own decision about whether to offer it rather than having the federal government mandate only lower-fat options.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2021

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2021 This bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Currently, schools participating in the program must provide milk that is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans; USDA regulations require milk to be fat-free or low-fat and allow only fat-free milk to be flavored. The bill removes these restrictions and instead permits schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk.