Last week, Congress passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. This immediately broadens the options of milk and milk substitutes that schools may serve at lunch under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
At the same time, USDA and HHS released the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030), which put a strong emphasis on whole foods, full-fat dairy, and fewer highly processed foods.
What Do You Need to Know?
Schools are no longer limited to serving skim and 1% milk at lunch.
Effective immediately, schools providing lunch under the NSLP may offer:
- whole milk
- 2% (reduced-fat) milk
- 1% (low-fat) milk
- fat-free (skim) milk
- lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk
- cultured and UHT milks
- nondairy milk substitutes (if they meet USDA nutrition standards)
Milk may be flavored, unflavored, organic, or non-organic. Schools must still offer at least two milk choices every day, and one must be unflavored.
Nondairy Milks Just Got Much Easier to Offer
Schools are not mandated to offer non-dairy milk substitutes. However, if a school chooses to offer plant-based milks (like soy) to all students:
- they will no longer have to notify NYSED
- parents will no longer need to submit a written request for non-dairy milk for non-medical reasons
- The only requirement is that the product must meet USDA nutrition standards for milk substitutes.
If a school chooses not to offer non-dairy beverages to all students, parents can request nondairy milk substitutes for disability or other reasons.
Bottom Line
Schools are not required to change their milk offerings — but, effective immediately, they now have the option to:
- bring back whole and 2% milk
- offer better-tasting, more filling options
- expand lactose-free and nondairy choices with less paperwork
- stay compliant while improving student participation and satisfaction
- This only affects the lunch program; it does not affect breakfast or snack requirements.
For the Future
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030) prioritize whole, nutrient-rich foods and full-fat dairy, and limit added sugars, refined carbs, and processed foods.
Over the next 1–3 years, USDA will use these guidelines to revise school meal standards, updating allowable beverages, dairy options, and menu requirements to align with whole-food, nutrient-rich choices.
For more details about the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, click here.