Category: Federal policy

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 30 million children relied on school meals daily, highlighting a persistent need for robust food security initiatives. This background is vital for understanding what is the Healthy Meals Act, which is not a single law but rather a collection of legislative efforts to modernize and strengthen child nutrition programs.

Since the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was passed in 2010, federal regulations have restricted the types of milk served in school meal programs. The USDA oversees these requirements for participating schools, ensuring all meals align with national dietary guidelines. This guide explains what does federal law say about serving dairy milk in schools, detailing the specific fat content, new sugar limits, and requirements for milk substitutes.