WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, along with 330 of his colleagues, voted in favor of H.R. 1147, Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This legislation, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, will restore the option of whole milk in school nutrition programs.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 ensures that students receive the many health benefits and nutrients milk provides to young Americans, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, milk is a source of three-out-of-four under-consumed nutrients — calcium, potassium and vitamin D. No other beverage naturally comes close to this level of nutritional value.

“Milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, offering 13 essential nutrients and numerous health benefits. However, out-of-touch and outdated federal regulations have imposed restrictions on the types of milk students have access to in school meals,” Thompson said. “I am pleased to see my bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act pass out of the United States House of Representatives, and I ultimately look forward to restoring access to these nutritious beverages in schools across the country.”