(NAFB.com) – Groups like the National Milk Producers Federation and others applauded the Senate Ag Committee for supporting, by voice vote, the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.” The bill’s markup is a critical first step in passing the bipartisan legislation, which has already been approved at the House committee level. “The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is about making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “Passing the Act will allow more schoolkids to access the essential nutrients they need in their diets, and that’s something everyone can get behind.” If signed into law, the bill would provide schools with the option of serving whole and two-percent milk, the two most consumed varieties at home, and offer 13 essential nutrients like protein and calcium. Currently, school meal rules in place since 2012 allow only one percent and fat-free options.