Congress approves Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act two years after TN approved similar measure NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, joined Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt this week to celebrate the Volunteer State’s leadership in putting whole milk back in public schools. In 2024, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Whole […]
Congress approves Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act two years after TN approved similar measure
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, joined Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt this week to celebrate the Volunteer State’s leadership in putting whole milk back in public schools.
In 2024, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, sponsored by Cochran, to boost health and nutrition among children by allowing schools across the Volunteer State to have dispensers for whole milk options. In January, President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, permitting schools across the country to reintroduce whole and 2% milk through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
“The Volunteer State continues to set the standard for the rest of the nation,” said Cochran. “We passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act two years ago to help ensure children across our state get the nutrient-rich foods they need. Now, the rest of the country is following our lead. I thank President Trump for his commitment to making America healthy again, and I look forward to seeing how this new federal law builds on our ongoing efforts to improve the wellness of all Tennessee students.”
Schools across the United States were forced to stop serving whole and 2% milk during the Obama administration following the adoption of new federal rules. Since 2012, the NSLP has offered only skim and low-fat milk for children.
The General Assembly in 2024 appropriated $375,000 for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to assist school districts with the purchase of milk dispensers. Administered by the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee, the program currently supports 40 schools with 59 dispensers, serving approximately 24,000 students across the state. Preliminary data from 40% of participating schools indicate an estimated 12% increase in students taking milk daily, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
“Bringing whole milk back to schools provides students with another nutritious option and reinforces the vital role of dairy in a healthy diet,” said Holt. “We appreciate the leadership of the Tennessee General Assembly in passing legislation that made this possible. From family dairy farms to processing plants producing milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream, this decision supports Tennessee dairy producers who work tirelessly to deliver quality food for Tennessee families.”
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages full-fat dairy as part of a healthy diet. The department plans to add this updated guidance to its Child Nutrition Programs, which ensure kids across the country have access to nutritious meals and snacks in schools, according to the USDA.
State Rep. Mark Cochran represents District 23 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes McMinn and part of Monroe counties.