USDA News

Samantha Marshall
May 11
2 min read

Updated: 5/21/2026 with California CDSS CACFP Branch email addressing whole milk.

Final Rule about Whole Milk

USDA published the final rule "Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs" last week. The rule becomes effective on June 8, 2026. This rule sets regulations around the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act expands fluid milk options in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act does not specifically address the CACFP and other Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs), this rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, includes CACFP and other CNPs.

The final rule states that operators "can offer children 2 years and older and adult participants whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free fluid milk to meet fluid milk requirements."

This change is not a requirement. Anticipate additional guidance from your state agencies.

Announcement from CDSS CACFP Branch in CA

USDA Reorganization Moves Ahead

In a press release on April 30, 2026, USDA provided further insight into the USDA reorganization efforts. The basics:

Changing the structure from regional offices to Hubs.
Child Nutrition Programs will be relocated to Dallas, Texas
Changing the name of the department to USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) (in place of Food and Nutrition Service (FNS))

These changes will impact staffing numbers, experience, and knowledge throughout USDA. We'll continue to track the reorganization and how this will affect CACFP programs.

USDA Guidance Portal

USDA recently created an updated, searchable database of guidance provided by the department for the varied programs. For CACFP guidance, you can filter by Food and Nutrition Service and then child nutrition. You can also keyword search CACFP or Child and Adult Care Food Program. One can even download a spreadsheet of the guidance titles, issue date, and link to the guidance document.

Updated Food Buying Guide

The Food Buying Guide has been updated. Find it, the different ways to access it and training for child nutrition programs here.

Keep an eye out for a proposed rule from USDA regarding meal patterns

USDA will be publishing a proposed rule to align the child nutrition program meal patterns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025 - 2030. We will be rallying the community to comment on the proposed regulation so that USDA understands how this proposed rule will impact operators in their day-to-day programming, facility setup, and food purchasing.

Do you want to share your expertise and experiences in CACFP with the community? We have the perfect conference and place for you to do it! Learn more about being a valued presenter at the Annual CACFP Conference and submit your proposal now!

Save the date to join us in Coronado, CA - October 26 - 28.