President Trump Signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to Address Childhood Health Crisis

(Washington, D.C., January 20, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently penned an insightful opinion piece for Fox News, emphasizing how President Trump is fulfilling his commitment to prioritize the welfare of American farmers and children through the enactment of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

A Growing Crisis: Childhood Health Challenges

“The childhood health crisis currently facing our nation is nothing less than an existential threat. Over 75% of kids in America struggle with obesity and poor physical fitness. These rising rates of chronic disease are influenced by several factors, but diet plays a central role,” said Secretary Rollins. “The absence of whole milk from schools has long been overlooked, but President Trump has chosen to take action. This administration understands that addressing the national health crisis requires a shift in federal nutrition policy, driven by science and real-world results.”

The Impact of the Obama Administration’s Policies

In 2012, the Obama administration discontinued the provision of whole milk in American schools, leading to a significant loss in nutrition for children and a drop in income for dairy farmers. Policies perceived as detrimental to agriculture, including those associated with the Green New Deal, exacerbated hardships for hardworking Americans in the farming sector.

A New Dawn for American Agriculture and Nutrition

Since President Trump’s inauguration, hope for American farmers has been revitalized. The signing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act symbolizes a shift back to prioritizing both the nutrition of American children and the livelihoods of farmers. Secretary Rollins highlighted, “While former President Barack Obama undercut the market for dairy farmers, President Trump is championing their cause by expanding access to real food options for our children.”

Restoring Whole Milk to Schools

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, driven by bipartisan support from Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and supported by Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), reintroduces whole milk into schools. This act ensures that children receive real, nutritious food, while also reinforcing vital support for the farmers who feed America.

The Nutritional Value of Whole Milk

Rollins shared her personal connection to whole milk during her confirmation hearing, stressing its importance in childhood nutrition. “For many families, whole milk is not just a beverage; it’s a critical source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fats essential for developing bodies and minds,” she emphasized.

Bridging Policy and Nutritional Guidance

This initiative aligns well with the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2025–2030, which recognize full-fat milk and healthy fats as valuable components of a balanced diet. For the first time, federal guidance will match school meal programs, delivering a consistent message to families regarding healthy eating habits.

Empowering Schools and Local Communities

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act offers schools the flexibility to serve whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free milk. This change empowers local communities and parents to make informed choices that best cater to the needs of their children.

Supporting American Farmers

The act is not just a victory for children’s nutrition but also for America’s farmers, who play a crucial role in sustaining rural economies. By creating a consistent demand for whole milk in school lunch programs, the legislation is set to bolster local communities and reconnect children with the foundational food sources that nourish them.

Conclusion

As Secretary Rollins put it succinctly, “This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s about practical, commonsense government policy.” The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act exemplifies the real-world reforms President Trump was elected to champion, aiming to put nutritious food back in school lunches and support the daily efforts of American farmers.

Brooke L. Rollins is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.