Senator Roger Marshall Pushes to Bring Whole Milk Back to Schools

The content of this blog came from my interview with United States Senator Roger Marshall.

In an ongoing effort to improve school nutrition and support local agriculture, Senator Roger Marshall has introduced legislation aimed at bringing whole milk back into schools. This move

is not just about the taste—it's about the health benefits of whole milk and its potential to boost Kansas’ dairy industry.

The Health Benefits of Whole Milk

When asked about the health advantages of whole milk, Senator Marshall highlighted a key issue: taste. Many students today avoid milk altogether because of the taste of skim and low-fat milk options. But Marshall argues that this is to the detriment of their health.

“Whole milk is the most nutritious drink known to humankind,” Marshall shared. “It helps develop the brain and aids our bodies in absorbing essential vitamins and nutrients.”

A generation of young adults has grown up skipping milk, often opting for sugary sodas instead. This trend, Marshall believes, is contributing to a lack of key nutrients in young people's diets. By making whole milk more accessible in schools, he hopes to shift this behavior and reconnect kids with the health benefits of a nutritious drink.

Supporting Kansas’ Dairy Industry

Marshall also sees this legislation as a win for the Kansas dairy industry. As he emphasized, returning whole milk to schools will not only improve students’ diets but also boost demand for dairy products.

"We are fighting to make whole, nutritious food a priority," said Marshall. "When we rethink dietary guidelines, whole foods like whole milk, cheese, and yogurt should be at the forefront."

By increasing consumption of whole milk, the demand for dairy products is expected to rise, creating new opportunities for Kansas dairy farmers and producers. This, in turn, strengthens the local economy and supports the state's agricultural sector.

Next Steps for the Legislation

After successfully passing through the Agriculture Committee, the next hurdle for Marshall’s bill is to make it through both the House and Senate. Once that happens, the legislation will move to the Senate floor for a vote. Marshall is hopeful that the bill will pass quickly with broad bipartisan support.

"We're hoping to push this through under unanimous consent," Marshall explained. "If no senator objects, we can get it to the floor quickly and, hopefully, send it to the president’s desk for a big win for Kansas and the country."

A Step Toward Better School Nutrition and a Stronger Agricultural Future

This legislation is not just about the present. It’s about securing a healthier future for the next generation of students and supporting Kansas’ dairy industry for years to come.

With lawmakers like Senator Marshall advocating for this change, there’s hope that schools across the state will soon be able to offer whole milk once again, helping to build a foundation of better health and stronger local economies.