IDFA Applauds USDA Interim Final Rule Implementing Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued an interim final rule implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, restoring flexibility for schools and child nutrition providers participating in federal Child Nutrition Programs to offer whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk options to children and adults ages 2 and older. Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement:

“USDA’s interim final rule implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is a major victory for children’s nutrition and for common-sense school meal policy. IDFA applauds USDA for moving quickly to put the law into effect and provide school nutrition directors and school milk processors the certainty they need to offer students the nutritious milk options that best meet their nutrition needs. For too long, federal regulations limited schools’ ability to offer the milk options students prefer and are more likely to drink. This rule restores flexibility for schools while aligning federal nutrition policy with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recognize dairy foods across all fat levels as part of healthy dietary patterns. Importantly, the rule allows schools to offer flavored and unflavored milk options across all fat levels, helping schools better meet student preferences while improving access to the 13 essential nutrients milk provides in every serving. IDFA thanks the bipartisan champions in Congress who worked to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and appreciates USDA’s swift implementation of this important law.”

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.