Whole Milk Returns to U.S. School Cafeterias After Over a Decade

A new law has officially restored whole milk as an option in American school lunches. The change reverses a policy from 2012 that limited milk in school meal programs to low-fat varieties. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law. It received strong bipartisan support in Congress, passing with rare agreement from both major political parties. The 2012 rules aimed to reduce childhood obesity by cutting saturated fat. However, dairy farmers and some nutritionists argued the limits were misguided. They say whole milk provides essential nutrients and can help children feel fuller. Schools can now offer both whole and low-fat milk. The final decision on which types to serve will be made by local school districts and individual states. This shift is part of a larger annual spending bill that funds U.S. agriculture and food programs.