WASHINGTON, D.C.—American families want their children to have access to nutritious, wholesome options at school that support healthy growth and learning—but too often, those choices are limited or confusing.
Today, Independent Women joined President Donald J. Trump,Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and members of Congress, in the Oval Office at the White House for the signing of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which provides schools with the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk options to ensure children receive the nutrition they need to grow and succeed in the classroom. This bill modifies and expands current restrictions which allow for only low-fat or fat-free milk options.
“As a mom of healthy, growing boys, who are active in sports, milk is a staple in their everyday diet. I applaud Congress and President Trump for ensuring that every child in school has access to whole milk once again,” said Patrice Onwuka, mother of three boys and Director of Independent Women’s Center of Economic Opportunity. “Our boys attend public school and not every child at their school comes from a household that can afford healthy whole milk options or even regular nutritious meals. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Acts fixes a policy that may have been well-intended but missed the mark. Our kids need all the fuel they can get to learn, study, practice sports, play instruments, and take exams. Whole and 2% milk in school is the fuel their little engines need.”
Amber Schwartz, mother of two children and Executive Vice President of Independent Women said, “The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act expands opportunities for parents to make decisions that are best for their own children. That’s a big win!”
Both Onwuka, and two of her sons, and Schwartz, and her son, attended the White House signing today, in celebration of this bipartisan legislation and President Trump’s leadership to make American children healthy again.
President Trump speaks directly to Onwuka and Schwartz.
Dr. Monique Yohanan, Senior Fellow for Health Policy at Independent Women, said: “The signing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act marks a vital shift to evidence-based nutrition, empowering schools with real-food options like full-fat dairy to nourish our children better. Grateful for this MAHA milestone.”
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), passed in bipartisan fashion by voice vote in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
MAKING AMERICA HEALTHIER:
Last week, Independent Women applauded the release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which takes an important step toward restoring clarity, transparency, and common sense to federal health recommendations.
The Trump administration’s updated guidelines prioritize sound nutrition, emphasize personal responsibility and informed decision-making, and move away from one-size-fits-all mandates in favor of flexible guidance rooted in modern nutrition science—reestablishing food as the foundation of health and better serving American families.
In an initiative to win back public trust in America’s health institutions and empower Americans to live healthier lives, Independent Women is stepping into the gap with Make America Healthier: The Path To A Healthier Nation.
Read More Here|Make America Healthier: The Path To A Healthier Nation
The series of eight science-driven reports highlights health and wellness essentials—offering practical advice on how Americans can build healthier habits with science-backed information and usable advice. The project also highlights some important reforms that policymakers can make to encourage better health.
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