Milk Menu Changes Coming to Schools

For California, the nation’s leading dairy-producing state, a new federal school nutrition rule could bring changes to cafeteria milk options. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a final rule this month implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, restoring whole and reduced-fat, or 2%, milk options in federal Child Nutrition Programs for children ages 2 and older.

According to USDA, the rule is intended to give schools and child nutrition providers more flexibility in offering dairy options that align with current nutrition science and consumer preference.

USDA says whole milk and other dairy products provide nutrients including protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, D, and B12. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “For years, outdated federal rules kept nutritious whole milk off school menus, despite growing evidence showing the importance of healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods for child development.”

USDA also says it will continue updating school meal standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump on January 14th.