US schools bring back whole and 2% milk after decade-long ban
Schools in the US will soon have the option to serve whole milk and 2% milk to students for the first time in over a decade. The change follows a new law signed by President Donald Trump, reversing a 2012 rule that limited milk choices to fat-free or low-fat varieties. The US Department of Agriculture announced the update on January 12, 2026, giving schools more flexibility in their meal programmes.
The decision comes after years of restrictions under the 2012 guidelines, which banned whole and 2% milk from school cafeterias. The new legislation removes these limits, allowing schools to offer a wider range of milk options—though they must first check student demand and coordinate with suppliers. It also means fluid milk will no longer be counted toward saturated fat calculations in school meals.
Health officials have pointed to the 2025-30 dietary guidelines, which recommend three daily servings of full-fat dairy for a standard 2,000-calorie diet. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. argued that removing whole milk had pushed some students toward less nutritious drinks. The law also permits nondairy alternatives, provided they match the nutritional value of fluid milk. However, questions remain about cost and availability. Whole milk is pricier than skim milk, which could strain budgets for some school districts. Additionally, it is still unclear whether whole and 2% milk will be allowed at breakfast, as USDA officials have yet to address this detail. The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children, with around two-thirds receiving free or reduced-price meals. The shift aims to give students more choices while balancing nutritional standards.
Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program will begin offering whole and 2% milk in the coming weeks. The move marks a return to pre-2012 policies, expanding options for millions of students. Officials will monitor how districts adapt to the changes, including cost and supply considerations.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
