U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced late last week that the USDA has issued the final rule implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. The act restores whole and 2% milk options in federal child nutrition programs and according to the department supports, “America’s dairy farmers by ensuring schools and child nutrition providers can once again offer students nutrient-dense dairy options that align with the latest nutrition science and consumer preference.”
Secretary Rolins said, “President Trump promised to Make America Healthy Again, and restoring whole milk to schools is a major step toward delivering on that promise. For years, outdated federal rules kept nutritious whole milk off school menus, despite growing evidence showing the importance of healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods for child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 is proud to implement the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and give schools the flexibility to serve real, wholesome milk options that help children grow, learn, and thrive.”
The department is also continuing to update the school meal standards through a multi-year process based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations. According to the department, “In the meantime, USDA is taking immediate action to increase access to real, nutrient-rich foods in schools and child nutrition settings, including local beef and other locally grown foods.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.