Federal Register #2026-09212

USDA Final Rule Expands Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued a final rule expanding fluid milk options in federal Child Nutrition Programs. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, School Meals Policy Division - Programs Affected: - National School Lunch Program (NSLP) - School Breakfast Program (SBP) - Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) - Special Milk Program (SMP) - Products/Services: - Fluid milk (whole, reduced-fat (2%), low-fat (1%), and fat-free (skim)) for children aged 2 and older and adults - Flavored milk permitted for children 6 years and older and adults - Unflavored whole milk required for children 1 year old - Yogurt may substitute for milk in CACFP for adults - Notable Requirements: - Aligns with the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans - Removes previous restrictions on milkfat content, providing greater menu flexibility - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as this is a regulatory change, not a procurement - No additional reporting burdens for program operators - Place of Performance/Delivery: - Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314

Description

This final rule with comment period expands fluid milk options by allowing schools and child and adult care providers participating in Child Nutrition Programs to offer whole and reduced-fat milk to participants two years and older. The rule codifies milkfat requirements following enactment of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and supports statutory requirements for meals to align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. By removing previous fluid milkfat-content restrictions, the rule restores flexibility to program operators, allowing them to offer a greater variety of fluid milk options to meet the nutrition needs and preferences of children and adults served.

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