06/04/2026
USDA released a final rule that allows whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk to be offered to participants ages two and up in the CACFP, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Special Milk Program (SMP). The rule also extends these fluid milk options to NSLP afterschool snack and the preschool meal pattern for NSLP and SBP.
The new milk options for each age group are as follows:
Fluid milk served to children 1 year old must be unflavored whole milk;
Fluid milk served to children 2 through 5 years old may be unflavored whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free milk; and
Fluid milk served to children 6 years and older and adult participants may be unflavored or flavored, whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free milk.
The rule will be effective June 8, 2026.