By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule allowing schools to once again offer whole and 2% milk during breakfast and lunch programs. The new rule follows the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which was signed into law earlier this year and expands dairy options available to students in schools across the country.
Under the updated rule, schools may now serve whole milk and 2% milk in addition to the fat-free, flavored, and 1% milk options already available in school meal programs. This marks the first time since 2012 that schools have been permitted to provide whole and 2% milk during federally supported breakfast and lunch programs after earlier nutrition rules removed them.
Supporters of the rule say the change will help schools offer more nutritious choices while improving flexibility for meal planning and student participation.
“Offering whole and 2% milk in schools helps students meet recommended daily values for many essential nutrients. It’s logistically challenging for schools to offer this milk for lunches but not for other meals, which weakens the benefits that whole and 2% milk provide,” said National Milk Producers Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Doud.
Nutrition experts continue to emphasize the importance of dairy products in child development. Whole milk provides nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins A, D, and B12. These nutrients help support bone strength, growth, energy production, and brain development in children.
USDA officials stated that whole milk may be especially important for children between the ages of 1 and 10 because of their higher energy and developmental needs. The agency also explained that the final rule is currently open for public comment and is expected to take effect within one month.
In addition to expanding milk choices, USDA continues reviewing and updating school meal standards using the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The agency said it is also taking immediate action to improve access to nutrient-rich foods in schools and child nutrition programs.
These efforts include increasing opportunities for schools to purchase local beef and other locally grown agricultural products. USDA officials believe these changes will support healthier school meals while strengthening connections between schools and local agriculture.
More information about USDA nutrition programs and school meal updates is available through USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, General, Government & Policy