USDA highlights declining dairy intake and Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act impact

The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, aimed at improving children's health through dietary changes in school meal programs. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding dairy consumption among the U.S. population, particularly among children and adolescents.

The session began with a presentation emphasizing that approximately 90 percent of Americans do not meet the recommended dairy intake, which has been declining over the past two decades. Current dietary guidelines advocate for the inclusion of dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, in healthy eating patterns. However, these guidelines primarily recommend fat-free or low-fat options, with little to no added sugars.

The discussion revealed alarming statistics: dairy intake among adolescents has decreased significantly, with only about 35 percent reporting daily milk consumption, down from 75 percent in the 1970s. The USDA's school meal programs currently require schools to offer a variety of milk options, including flavored and unflavored, low-fat, fat-free, and lactose-free milk. The proposed Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act seeks to expand these options to include reduced-fat and whole milk, while also exempting milk and milk fat from existing saturated fat limits in school meals.

Committee members raised questions about the rationale behind previous restrictions on whole and reduced-fat milk in schools. Experts noted that while higher-fat dairy products can be part of a healthy diet, the overall dietary context is crucial. With many Americans consuming excessive calories, saturated fats, and added sugars, the recommendation for fat-free or low-fat dairy aims to help individuals stay within healthy dietary limits.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the implications of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and its potential to enhance nutrient intake and overall health among children. The committee plans to continue discussions on how to effectively implement these changes in school meal programs to better support children's dietary needs.