PHOTO PROVIDED U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard, right, and U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D., D-Wash. state, in a photo from Schrier’s social media.

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, this week.

According to Thompson’s website, the bill “provides schools with the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2% milk options, helping ensure children receive the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and succeed in the classroom.”

“I have worked for a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today,” said Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. according to the news release. “Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love. I am proud that my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed the House today and now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”

“As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health and development, and I’m thrilled that my bipartisan bill has passed the House and is heading to the president’s desk,” said U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D., D-Wash. state. “Ensuring that our children have access to a healthy diet is fundamental to their physical growth, academic performance, and overall well-being, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients that keep them full and healthy. This bill will improve children’s nutrition by allowing schools to provide the types of milk most kids prefer to drink, and I’m eager to see this legislation signed into law.”

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act marks a significant step forward in strengthening school nutrition and supporting America’s dairy farmers and is another win in President Trump’s efforts to Make America Healthy Again and to put Farmers First,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, according to the news release. “This commonsense legislation restores the ability of schools to serve wholesome, flavorful options that children actually enjoy. For the past decade, limited choices and reduced flavor have discouraged kids from drinking milk at school. The passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is more than a policy change; it’s a practical tool for promoting health nationwide and ensuring that America’s next generation thrives.”

Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators also praised the legislation.

“Whole milk IS BACK in America’s schools,” said a statement emailed to media from the offices of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh. “This is a commonsense bill that benefits everyone. PA farmers supply the country with some of the best milk year-round, and instead of limiting choices in our schools, this will expand the nutritious and healthy options for our kids. We 100% have the backs of our farmers, students, and their families, and thank our colleagues in the House and Senate for getting this done.”