Discover how the USDA’s decision to uphold dairy options in school meals contributes to a balanced diet for our children’s growing minds. Will this impact your child’s lunch?
Last week, the USDA released its final rule updating meal standards for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). This updated rule carries with it three essential wins for dairy and child nutrition, inviting applause from stakeholders within the industry. A prominent feature of the updated rule lies in the preservation of flavored milk for students from all grades across schools nationwide, following the guidelines under the Healthy School Milk Commitment.
Setting Boundaries on Added Sugars in School Milk
This avowed commitment seeks an assurance that an 8-ounce half-pint serving of nonfat or low-fat flavored milk does not contain over 10 grams of added sugar. This commitment saw its establishment in early 2023 in an alliance with around 37 school milk processors. According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), post-commitment, the average added sugar level in schools’ flavored milk is now at 7.5 grams for each serving.
“Thanks to America’s milk processors’ leadership, flavored milk in schools today complies fully with the latest federal dietary guidelines. The options deliver the very same 13 important nutrients as regular milk does, eliminating food waste and stimulating greater meal participation,” Michael Dykes, DVM, President and CEO of the IDFA, has said. CEO and President of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), Gregg Doud, echoed these views, adding, “This final rule aids in ensuring that kids will stick with a nutritious milk preference. Many children favour low-fat flavored milk over fat-free, and flavored milk offers the exact nutrients like regular milk with a minute amount of added sugar,” he said.
Implementing Lactose-Free Milk Options in School Menus
Additionally, the rule highlights that lactose-free milk stands as a conceivable option in all reimbursable meals, marking a considerable stride in promoting health and nutrition equity among schoolchildren. A recent pilot program initiated by checkoff highlighted how this option could enhance consumption and reach students who avoid drinking milk due to lactose intolerance, perceived or actual.
The first solo-serve lactose-free chocolate milk package was offered to six elementary schools and four high schools in the fourth quarter of 2023, as a result of collaboration between the National Dairy Council (NDC), the American Dairy Association Mideast, and Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS). This collaborative program’s success led to its expansion to cover all 15 CPS high schools until June the same year. Schools that implemented the pilot program witnessed a 16% rise in milk consumption and 7% more meal participation in comparison to the rest of the Cincinnati district.
Tracy Enslen, Vice President of Business Development for the American Dairy Association Mideast, expressed hope that the program’s success inspires similar programs across the country in both schools and processors.
Maintaining Sodium Standards in School Meals: The USDA Rule
The USDA rule also ensures the preservation of the current school meal sodium targets through the 2026-27 school year, transitioning into a more achievable and permanent target afterwards. This helps keep cheese as a healthy component of school meals. This rule introduces maximums for added sugars in flavored yogurt and milk beginning with the 2025-26 school year, and starting the next school year, a weekly menu will contain an average of less than 10% of calories per meal from added sugars.
Exploring Unseized Chances for Whole and 2% Milk Incorporation
Despite these strides, both the IDFA and NMPF continue to advocate for additional enhancements in school meal offerings, including bringing back whole and 2% milk varieties. Michael Dykes commented, “USDA also missed an opportunity to restore 2 percent and whole milk to school breakfast and lunch. Numerous studies show that dairy fat is unique, unlike typical saturated fats, in delivering positive and neutral health outcomes to people across all demographics,” he stated. Both groups showed support for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147/S. 1957), which awaits Senate approval after passing the House of Representatives a majority in December, and aims at restoring whole and 2% milk varieties to school lunch menus.
Benefits of dairy in school meals
Here’s something you need to note: dairy, and more specifically milk, is not just a refreshing beverage or creamy addition to a phenomenal piece of pie. It’s a powerhouse source of essential nutrients – from calcium and protein, both crucial for developing strong, healthy bones and muscles in growing children, to vitamins A and D, which promote good vision and help build a child’s immune system. Thanks to the USDA’s commitment to maintaining dairy options in school meals, our children continue to enjoy these numerous health benefits.
Milk, especially in its low-fat flavored variant, is proven to increase student consumption rates. Thanks to the involvement of International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) advocacy, the USDA now allows schools more menu planning freedom, including the re-introduction of low-fat, flavored milk. Post 2017, this has meant that more children are not just meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations for milk consumption, but in many cases exceeding them. This is fantastic news for the health outcomes of our children, ensuring stronger bodies and sharper minds.
Building upon the variety of flavors, offering milk in larger containers has been found to encourage healthier beverage choices among teenagers. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP)dictate that schools make a variety of fluid milk options available, including potable water. As such, teenagers are not limited to just soft drinks or juices but have healthy milk options available as well.
Furthermore, amid modern dietary sensitivities and diverse nutritional needs, the USDA, the food authorities, and schools are being mindful of the calorie counts and levels of saturated fats in these flavored, low-fat milks. It’s not just about variety, but about health-centred choices. It’s not just a mere drink, but a necessary nutrient boost.
So, the next time your child reaches for that milk carton in the school cafeteria, be it from a bulk milk dispenser or in a single serving container, remember this: they’re picking up a glass full of health benefits. And don’t stress about whether they’re getting enough – food service staff are tasked with ensuring every student receives a hearty 8-ounces serving. In the fight for our children’s health, milk is holding strong within the walls of our schools. And you, dear parent, you’re part of that victory. So, here’s a toast – with a glass of milk, of course – to a healthier future and better school meals!
