Returning the ‘Whole’ Cow to US Lunchrooms: Why Some Say Children Need Whole Milk

A child drinking milk in a school cafeteria. The Canadian Press/AP/Nellie Doneva

The age-old argument for keeping “healthy fat” in the human diet has gained new traction as farmers, legislators, and nutritionists lead a movement to return whole milk to schools.

Advocates say U.S. children deserve to have the full spectrum of milk varieties available to them in the cafeteria. This crusade is backed by research showing that whole milk delivers critical fat-soluble vitamins and contributes to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.