Rule2026-09212
Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 8, 2026
Effective
June 8, 2026
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentFood and Nutrition Service
Abstract
This final rule with comment period ("final rule") expands fluid milk options by allowing schools and child and adult care providers participating in Child Nutrition Programs to offer whole and reduced-fat milk to participants two years and older. This rule codifies milkfat requirements following enactment of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and supports the statutory requirements for meals to align with the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. By removing previous fluid milkfat-content restrictions, this deregulatory rule restores flexibility to Program operators, allowing them to offer a greater variety of fluid milk options, including whole and reduced- fat milk, to meet the nutrition needs and preferences of the children and adults they serve.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 89 (Friday, May 8, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 89 (Friday, May 8, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25073-25081]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-09212]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Nutrition Service
7 CFR Part 210, 215, 220, and 226
[FNS-2026-0067]
RIN 0584-AF28
Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs
AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA.
ACTION: Final rule with comment period.
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SUMMARY: This final rule with comment period (``final rule'') expands
fluid milk options by allowing schools and child and adult care
providers participating in Child Nutrition Programs to offer whole and
reduced-fat milk to participants two years and older. This rule
codifies milkfat requirements following enactment of the Whole Milk for
Healthy Kids Act and supports the statutory requirements for meals to
align with the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. By
removing previous fluid milkfat-content restrictions, this deregulatory
rule restores flexibility to Program operators, allowing them to offer
a greater variety of fluid milk options, including whole and reduced-
fat milk, to meet the nutrition needs and preferences of the children
and adults they serve.
DATES:
Effective date: This rule is effective June 8, 2026.
Comment date: To be assured of consideration, comments on this
final rule must be received on or before June 8, 2026.
ADDRESSES: The Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, invites interested
persons to submit written comments on this final rule. Comments may be
submitted in writing by one of the following methods:
<bullet> Online (preferred): Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Mail: Send comments to School Meals Policy Division, Food
and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314.
All written comments submitted in response to this final rule will
be included in the record and will be made available to the public.
Please be advised that the substance of the comments and the identity
of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be subject
to public disclosure. FNS will make the written comments publicly
available on the internet via <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: School Meals Policy Division--4th
floor, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA
22314; telephone: 703-305-2054.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Abbreviations
CACFP--Child and Adult Care Food Program
CNP--Child Nutrition Programs
FNS--Food and Nutrition Service
NSLA--National School Lunch Act
NSLP--National School Lunch Program
SBP--School Breakfast Program
SFA--School Food Authority
SMP--Special Milk Program
USDA--United States Department of Agriculture
WMFHKA--Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
Table of Contents
Section 1: Background
Section 2: Milkfat Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs
Section 3: Procedural Matters
Section 1: Background
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly released the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 \1\ (Dietary Guidelines).
The Dietary Guidelines state that ``dairy is an excellent source of
protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals'' and recommends
including full-fat dairy as a part of a healthy diet. Specifically, the
Scientific Foundation for the Dietary Guidelines highlight the
importance of full-fat dairy to help children meet energy needs and
support brain development during early and middle childhood.\2\
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\1\ U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human
Services, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. Available at:
<a href="https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA_508.pdf">https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA_508.pdf</a>.
\2\ U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human
Services, The Scientific Foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, 2025-2030. Available at: <a href="https://cdn.realfood.gov/Scientific%20Report_508.pdf">https://cdn.realfood.gov/Scientific%20Report_508.pdf</a>.
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[[Page 25074]]
Additionally, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 \3\
(WMFHKA) (Pub. L. 119-69), enacted on January 14, 2026, amended the
National School Lunch Act \4\ (NSLA) by expanding the fluid milk
options that may be offered to meet the requirements for fluid milk
provided in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (42 U.S.C.
1758(a)(2)(A)). The WMFHKA specifically allows schools to offer whole
and reduced-fat (2 percent) milk in addition to low-fat (1 percent) and
fat-free options at school lunch. It also allows school food
authorities (SFA) to exclude the saturated fat from fluid milk when
calculating the weekly average saturated fat requirement at lunch.
Additional provisions of this law are addressed in FNS guidance \5\ and
will be codified in future rulemaking.
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\3\ Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 (Pub. L. 119-69).
Available at: <a href="https://www.congress.gov/119/plaws/publ69/PLAW-119publ69.pdf">https://www.congress.gov/119/plaws/publ69/PLAW-119publ69.pdf</a>.
\4\ Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Available at:
<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10333/pdf/COMPS-10333.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10333/pdf/COMPS-10333.pdf</a>.
\5\ U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service,
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025--Implementation Requirements
for the National School Lunch Program, January 14, 2026. Available
at: <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/wmfhka-implementation">https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/wmfhka-implementation</a>.
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Through this rulemaking, USDA is updating Program regulations to
allow whole and reduced-fat milk to be offered to Child Nutrition
Program (CNP) participants ages two and up in the NSLP, School
Breakfast Program (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and
Special Milk Program (SMP). This rule extends the saturated fat
exclusion from weekly dietary specifications \6\ in NSLP to the SBP.
Additionally, this rule expands the option to offer whole and reduced-
fat milk in the NSLP afterschool snack service (NSLP afterschool
snacks) and the preschool meal pattern for NSLP and SBP and clarifies
that whole and reduced-fat milk may now be sold as a compliant beverage
for competitive foods, commonly known as Smart Snacks in School (Smart
Snacks).\7\
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\6\ Average saturated fat content of the meals offered to each
age/grade group must be less than 10 percent of total calories (7
CFR 210.10(b)(2)(ii) and 220.8(b)(2)(ii)).
\7\ The Summer Food Service Program does not have limits for fat
content for fluid milk and current requirements allow whole and
reduced-fat milk. The Seamless Summer Option does not have meal
pattern requirements in regulations but FNS guidance (SP 09-2017)
states that this meal service aligns with the meal pattern
established for NSLP and SBP, thus the updated requirements allow
whole and reduced-fat milk.
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Section 2: Milkfat Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs
Current Requirements
Under section 9 of the NSLA, schools are required to offer students
a variety of fluid milk at lunches served under the NSLP (42 U.S.C.
1758(a)(2)(A)). Under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966,\8\
meals served as part of the SBP must meet the ``minimum nutritional
requirements prescribed by the Secretary'' (42 U.S.C. 1773(e)(1)(A)).
Additionally, section 9 of the NSLA requires that breakfasts served are
``consistent with the goals of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for
Americans'' (42 U.S.C. 1758(f)(1)). Under section 17 of the NSLA, the
CACFP must ``provide milk in accordance with the most recent version of
the Dietary Guidelines'' (42 U.S.C. 1766(g)(4)(A)). There is no
statutory language regarding the fat content of milk offered in the
SMP.
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\8\ Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Available at: <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10328/pdf/COMPS-10328.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10328/pdf/COMPS-10328.pdf</a>.
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Current regulations for the NSLP (7 CFR 210.10(d)(1)(i)), SBP (7
CFR 220.8(d)), CACFP (7 CFR 226.20(a)(1)), and SMP (7 CFR 215.7a(a)),
state that whole and reduced-fat milk are not creditable for children 2
years and older and adult participants. Fluid milk requirements are as
follows:
<bullet> Children 1 year old must be served unflavored whole milk.
<bullet> Children 2 through 5 years old must be served unflavored
low-fat or unflavored fat-free milk.\9\
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\9\ Per FNS Guidance, children between the ages of 24 months to
25 months may be served unflavored whole or reduced-fat to help with
the transition to low-fat and fat-free milk. Breastmilk may be
served to a child of any age.
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<bullet> Children 6 years old and older and adults must be served
unflavored or flavored,\10\ low-fat or fat-free milk.
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\10\ Flavored milk must contain no more than 10 grams of added
sugars per 8 fluid ounces, or for flavored milk sold as competitive
food for middle and high schools, 15 grams of added sugars per 12
fluid ounces. Added sugar limit for flavored milk does not apply to
CACFP.
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For NSLP (7 CFR 210.10(b)(2)(ii)) and SBP (7 CFR 220.8(b)(2)(ii)),
current regulations require that the average saturated fat content of
the meals offered to each age/grade group must be less than 10 percent
of total calories. This includes saturated fat from fluid milk.
Current regulations for NSLP afterschool snacks (7 CFR
210.10(o)(2)(i), (3)(i), and (4)(i)) and preschool lunch and breakfast
meal patterns (7 CFR 210.10(p) and 220.8(o)) require that milk offered
at meals/snacks meet the requirements for the CACFP, under 7 CFR
226.20(a)(1). Current regulations for Smart Snacks (7 CFR
210.11(l)(1)(ii), (2)(ii), and (3)(ii)) require that milk offered as a
competitive food meet the requirements for the NSLP, outlined in 7 CFR
210.10(d)(1).
Final Rule
CNP operators participating in NSLP (including NSLP afterschool
snack, the preschool meal pattern, and Smart Snacks), SBP (including
the preschool meal pattern), CACFP, and SMP may offer children 2 years
and older and adult participants whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-
free fluid milk to meet fluid milk requirements in these Programs. The
updated fluid milk requirements for each age group are summarized
below:
<bullet> Fluid milk served to children 1 year old must be
unflavored whole milk;
<bullet> Fluid milk served to children 2 through 5 years old may be
unflavored whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free milk; and
<bullet> 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.\11\
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\11\ Statute requires schools have the option to offer flavored
and unflavored fluid milk in the NSLP (42 U.S.C. 1758(a)(2)(A)(ii)).
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SFAs participating in the NSLP and SBP may exclude the saturated
fat from fluid milk when calculating the weekly average saturated fat
requirement at lunch and breakfast.
Program operators are not required, but are encouraged, to make
changes to menus under this provision. Program operators have
discretion to decide which varieties of fluid milk to offer. For
example, Program operators may choose to offer unflavored, whole milk
as an option to all Program participants to align with recommendations
from the Dietary Guidelines to consume full-fat dairy and less added
sugars. The revised regulations under this rulemaking give menu
planners more flexibility to offer fluid milk options that meet the
dietary preferences of Program participants and are compatible with
product availability, cost considerations, and other local factors.
Accordingly, this final rule amends 7 CFR 210.10(d)(1)(i), 7 CFR
215.7a(a), 7 CFR 220.8(d), and 7 CFR 226.20(a)(1) of the regulatory
text.
Procedural Matters
Issuance of a Final Rule With Comment Period
Child Nutrition Programs are not required to undergo notice-and-
comment rulemaking because of the exception in 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2) for
[[Page 25075]]
matters relating to benefits. While USDA may choose to promulgate Child
Nutrition Program regulations through the notice-and-comment procedures
laid out in 5 U.S.C. 553(b) and (c), it is not mandatory for rules,
such as this one, that relate to benefits. USDA also believes a final
rule is optimal in this instance to quickly implement the relatively
straightforward provisions of WMFKA and, to ensure consistency across
Child Nutrition Programs, extend those policies to SBP, CACFP, and SMP.
Nevertheless, USDA always welcomes input from the public and has
provided a comment period with this final rule. Comments will help USDA
weigh stakeholder input when considering any future guidance or
rulemaking on the expansion of fluid milk options.
Executive Order 12866 and 13563
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This rule is considered an Executive Order 14192
deregulatory action.
This final rule has been determined to be significant under section
3(f) of Executive Order 12866, but not economically significant under
section 3(f)(1), and was reviewed by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) in conformance with Executive Order 12866.
Economic Analysis
An economic analysis was developed for this rule. It is included in
the docket for this rulemaking as an Appendix. The analysis presents
three possible scenarios for how this rule may impact USDA's Child
Nutrition Programs, as well as dairy sector businesses that supply it.
Two of the three scenarios project no significant change in costs to
Program operators, while the third projects an average annualized
savings of about $15 million to Program operators over the next five
years due to substitutions of flavored for unflavored milk with a
higher fat content. We do not project a net change in revenue for the
dairy sector because we expect that the primary impact will be a
redistribution of revenue across industry subsectors as opposed to a
net increase or decrease in sales to the Program.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) requires agencies
to analyze the impact of rulemaking on small entities and consider
alternatives that would minimize any significant impacts on a
substantial number of small entities. Pursuant to that review, it has
been certified that this rule would not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Most school districts are small entities for purposes of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act. Eleven thousand of the NSLP's 19,000 SFAs
enroll fewer than 1,000 students. More than 14,000 enroll fewer than
2,500 students. There are 19,000 sponsoring organizations and
independent centers in the CACFP as well as 68,000 day care home
providers. These CACFP institutions are primarily small entities. This
final rule does not require these entities to make any changes. This
rule provides Program operators with additional flexibility to offer
fluid milk options that meet the dietary preferences of Program
participants and are compatible with product availability, cost
considerations, and other local factors. As discussed in this rule's
Paperwork Reduction Act section, the rule imposes no additional
reporting or record keeping requirement on Program operators, whether
or not they take advantage of the rule's added flexibility. In two of
three scenarios analyzed in USDA's Economic Analysis, this rule will
have no impact on these entities' costs. Under a third scenario,
considered the least likely of the three, the rule would result in a
modest cost savings.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local and tribal
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, the
Department generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal
mandates'' that may result in expenditures by State, local or tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector, of $146 million
or more (when adjusted for inflation; GDP deflator source: Table 1.1.9
at <a href="http://www.bea.gov/iTable">http://www.bea.gov/iTable</a>) in any one year. When such a statement is
needed for a rule, Section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the
Department to identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory
alternatives and adopt the most cost effective or least burdensome
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule.
This final rule does not contain Federal mandates (under the
regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local and
tribal governments or the private sector of $146 million or more in any
one year. Thus, the rule is not subject to the requirements of sections
202 and 205 of the UMRA.
Executive Order 12372
The NSLP, SMP, SBP, and CACFP are listed in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance under NSLP No. 10.555, SMP No. 10.556, SBP No.
10.553, and CACFP No. 10.558, respectively, and are subject to
Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation
with State and local officials (see 2 CFR chapter IV). Since the Child
Nutrition Programs are State-administered, USDA's FNS Regional Offices
have formal and informal discussions with State and local officials,
including representatives of Indian Tribal Organizations, on an ongoing
basis regarding Program requirements and operations. This provides USDA
with the opportunity to receive regular input from Program
administrators and contributes to the development of feasible Program
requirements.
Federalism Summary Impact Statement
Executive Order 13132 requires Federal agencies to consider the
impact of their regulatory actions on State and local governments.
Where such actions have federalism implications, agencies are directed
to provide a statement for inclusion in the preamble to the regulations
describing the agency's considerations in terms of the three categories
called for under Section (6)(b)(2)(B) of Executive Order 13132.
The Department has determined that this rule does not have
Federalism implications. This rule does not impose substantial or
direct compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore,
under Section 6(b) of the Executive Order, a Federalism summary impact
statement is not required.
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform
This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. This rule is intended to have preemptive effect
with respect to any State or local laws, regulations or policies which
conflict with its provisions or which would otherwise impede its full
and timely implementation. This rule is not
[[Page 25076]]
intended to have retroactive effect unless so specified in the
Effective Dates section of the final rule. Prior to any judicial
challenge to the provisions of the final rule, all applicable
administrative procedures must be exhausted.
Civil Rights Impact Analysis
FNS has reviewed this final rule in accordance with USDA Regulation
4300-4, ``Civil Rights Impact Analysis,'' to identify any major civil
rights impacts the rule might have on Program participants on the basis
of age, race, color, national origin, sex or disability. After a
careful review of the rule's intent and provisions, FNS has determined
that this rule is not expected to affect the participation of protected
individuals in the NSLP, SBP, CACFP or SMP.
Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies to consult and
coordinate with Tribes on a government-to-government basis on policies
that have Tribal implications, including regulations, legislative
comments or proposed legislation, and other policy statements or
actions that have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian
Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian
Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
This rule does not have Tribal implications that rise to the level
of triggering Tribal consultation, provided that the final rule does
not affect the availability of milk substitutes for participants of the
affected Programs. If a Tribe requests consultation, FNS will work with
the Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful consultation is
provided.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chap. 35; 5 CFR
1320) requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve all
collections of information by a Federal agency before they can be
implemented. Respondents are not required to respond to any collection
of information unless it displays a current valid OMB control number.
This rule contains information collections that have been approved
by OMB under OMB #0584-0006, (The National School Lunch Program),
#0584-0012 (The School Breakfast Program), #0584-0005 (The Special Milk
Program for Children), and #0584-0280 (The Child and Adult Care Food
Program).
This rule relaxes previous restrictions on the fat content of milk
that Program operators may serve to children in the NSLP, the SBP, and
the SMP; it likewise relaxes the restriction on fat content that
Program operators may serve to children and adults in the CACFP. The
rule encourages, but does not require Program operators to offer whole
milk and reduced-fat (2 percent) milk where they had previously been
restricted to offering low-fat (1 percent) and fat-free (skim) milk.
Program operators in each of these Programs prepare and maintain menus.
To the extent that they elect to offer whole or reduced-fat (2 percent)
milk in addition to, or in place of, the options previously permitted,
these operators will reflect those changes on updated menus.
In the NSLP and the SBP, schools must maintain meal menu records.
These records show that meals offered to school children meet
regulatory meal pattern requirements. USDA estimates that schools incur
a paperwork burden of 0.25 hours (for lunch menus) and 0.12 hours (for
breakfast menus) for each of the 180 days of the average school year to
keep these records. Although the types of milk on these menus will
change if SFAs and schools elect to take advantage of the rule's
relaxation of milk fat standards, the daily burden of maintaining these
menu records (under 7 CFR 210.10(a)(3) and 210.15(b)(3) for the NSLP,
and 220.8(a)(3) and 220.9(a) for the SBP) is unchanged. The rule does
not add to or modify the existing recordkeeping requirement.
Schools and institutions that participate in the SMP must maintain
records of their agreement with the state agency to operate the
Program, eligibility applications from households, and financial and
other records that document their Program operations, as necessary, to
support state administrative reviews and federal audits. Permitting SMP
operators to offer whole milk and reduced-fat (2 percent) milk to
Program participants leaves those recordkeeping requirements, and the
associated burden, unchanged.
CACFP institutions, facilities, and day care home providers
maintain copies of menus as part of their general recordkeeping to
support their claims for reimbursement. USDA captures the burden of
keeping menu records as a component of the broader record keeping
requirements in 7 CFR 226.10, 226.15, 226.17, and 226.18. Institutions,
facilities, and day care home providers that choose to include whole
milk or reduced-fat (2 percent) milk on their menus will not incur an
increase or realize a reduction in the burden of maintaining those menu
records.
E-Government Act Compliance
The Department is committed to complying with the E-Government Act,
to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies
to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government
information and services, and for other purposes.
List of Subjects
7 CFR Part 210
Grant programs--education, Grant programs--health, Infants and
children, Nutrition, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, School breakfast and lunch programs, Surplus agricultural
commodities.
7 CFR 215
Food assistance programs, Grant programs--education, Grant
programs--health, Infants and children, Milk.
7 CFR Part 220
Grant programs--education, Grant programs--health, Infants and
children, Nutrition, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, School
breakfast and lunch programs.
7 CFR Part 226
Accounting, Aged, Day care, Food assistance programs, Grant
programs, Grant programs--health, Individuals with disabilities,
Infants and children, Intergovernmental relations, Loan programs,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surplus agricultural
commodities.
Accordingly, 7 CFR parts 210, 215, 220, and 226 are amended as
follows:
PART 210--NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
0
1. The authority citation for part 210 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1751-1760, 1779.
0
2. In Sec. 210.10:
0
a. Revise paragraph (b)(2)(ii), table 1 to paragraph (c) introductory
text, paragraphs (d)(1)(i), (f)(2), (i)(3)(ii) and table 5 to paragraph
(o)(2)(ii);
0
b. Redesignate table 5 to paragraph (o)(3)(ii) as table 6 to paragraph
(o)(3)(ii) and revise newly redesignated table 6;
0
c. Redesignate table 6 to paragraph (o)(4)(ii) as table 7 to paragraph
(o)(4)(ii);
0
d. Redesignate table 7 to paragraph (p)(2) as table 8 to paragraph
(p)(2) and revise newly redesignated table 8;
[[Page 25077]]
0
e. Redesignate table 8 to paragraph (q)(2) as table 9 to paragraph
(q)(2).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 210.10 Meal requirements for lunches and requirements for
afterschool snacks.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) Average saturated fat content of the meals offered to each
age/grade group must be less than 10 percent of total calories
(excluding saturated fat from milk used to meet the fluid milk
component requirements);
* * * * *
(c) * * *
Table 1 to Paragraph (c) Introductory Text--National School Lunch Program Meal Pattern
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of food 1 per week (minimum per day)
Meal components -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12
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Fruits (cups) \2\................. 2\1/2\ (\1/2\).......... 2\1/2\ (\1/2\).......... 5 (1).
Vegetables (cups) \2\............. 3\3/4\ (\3/4\).......... 3\3/4\ (\3/4\).......... 5 (1).
Dark Green Subgroup \3\....... \1/2\................... \1/2\................... \1/2\.
Red/Orange Subgroup \3\....... \3/4\................... \3/4\................... 1\1/4\.
Beans, Peas, and Lentils \1/2\................... \1/2\................... \1/2\
Subgroup \3\.
Starchy Subgroup \3\.......... \1/2\................... \1/2\................... \1/2\.
Other Vegetables Subgroup \3 \1/2\................... \1/2\................... \3/4\.
4\.
Additional Vegetables from Any 1....................... 1....................... 1\1/2\.
Subgroup to Reach Total.
Grains (oz. eq.) \5\.............. 8-9 (1)................. 8-10 (1)................ 10-12 (2).
Meats/Meat Alternates (oz. eq.) 8-10 (1)................ 9-10 (1)................ 10-12 (2).
\6\.
Fluid Milk (cups) \7\............. 5 (1)................... 5 (1)................... 5 (1).
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Dietary Specifications: Daily Amount Based on the Average for a 5-Day Week \8\
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Minimum-Maximum Calories (kcal)... 550-650................. 600-700................. 750-850.
Saturated Fat (% of total <10..................... <10..................... <10.
calories) \9\.
Added Sugars (% of total calories) <10..................... <10..................... <10.
Sodium Limit: In place through <=1,110 mg.............. <=1,225 mg.............. <=1,280 mg.
June 30, 2027.
Sodium Limit: Must be implemented <=935 mg................ <=1,035 mg.............. <=1,080 mg.
by July 1, 2027.
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\1\ Food items included in each group and subgroup and amount equivalents.
\2\ Minimum creditable serving is \1/8\ cup. One quarter-cup of dried fruit counts as \1/2\ cup of fruit; 1 cup
of leafy greens counts as \1/2\ cup of vegetables. No more than half of the fruit or vegetable offerings may
be in the form of juice. All juice must be 100 percent full-strength.
\3\ Larger amounts of these vegetables may be served.
\4\ This subgroup consists of ``Other vegetables'' as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(E) of this section. For
the purposes of the NSLP, the ``Other vegetables'' requirement may be met with any additional amounts from the
dark green, red/orange, and bean, peas, and lentils vegetable subgroups as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of
this section.
\5\ Minimum creditable serving is 0.25 oz. eq. At least 80 percent of grains offered weekly (by ounce
equivalents) must be whole grain-rich as defined in Sec. 210.2 and the remaining grains items offered must
be enriched.
\6\ Minimum creditable serving is 0.25 oz. eq.
\7\ Minimum creditable serving is 8 fluid ounces. All fluid milk must meet the requirements in paragraph (d) of
this section.
\8\ By July 1, 2027, schools must meet the dietary specification for added sugars. Schools must meet the sodium
limits by the dates specified in this chart. Discretionary sources of calories may be added to the meal
pattern if within the dietary specifications.
\9\ Saturated fat from milk used to meet the fluid milk component requirements is excluded from the weekly
dietary specification.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) Schools must offer students a variety (at least two different
options) of fluid milk at lunch daily. Milk may be whole, reduced-fat
(2 percent), low-fat (1 percent), or fat-free (skim). Lactose-free and
reduced-lactose fluid milk may also be offered.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(2) Saturated fat. School lunches offered to all age/grade groups
must, on average over the school week, provide less than 10 percent of
total calories from saturated fat (excluding saturated fat from milk
used to meet the fluid milk component requirements).
* * * * *
(i) * * *
(3) * * *
(ii) Analyzed nutrients. The analysis determines the average levels
of calories, saturated fat (excluding saturated fat from milk used to
meet the fluid milk component requirements), added sugars, and sodium
in the meals offered over a school week. It includes all food items
offered by the reviewed school over a one-week period.
* * * * *
(o) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) * * *
Table 5 to Paragraph (o)(2)(ii)--Afterschool Snack Meal Pattern for K-12
Children [Ages 6-18]
[Select two of the five components for a reimbursable snack]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meal components \1\ Minimum quantities \2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid Milk \3\......................... 8 fluid ounces.
Meats/meat alternates \4\.............. 1 ounce equivalent.
Vegetable \5\.......................... \3/4\ cup.
Fruits \5\............................. \3/4\ cup.
Grains \6\............................. 1 ounce equivalent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Must serve two of the five components for a reimbursable afterschool
snack. Only one of the two components may be a beverage.
[[Page 25078]]
\2\ May need to serve larger portions to children ages 13 through 18 to
meet their nutritional needs.
\3\ Milk may be unflavored or flavored.
\4\ Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in appendix A
to part 226 of this chapter. Yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams
of added sugars per 6 ounces (2 grams of added sugars per ounce).
Information on crediting meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS
guidance.
\5\ Juice must be pasteurized, full-strength juice. No more than half of
the weekly fruit or vegetable offerings may be in the form of juice.
\6\ At least 80 percent of grains offered weekly (by ounce equivalents)
must be whole grain-rich, as defined in Sec. 210.2, and the
remaining grains items offered must be enriched. Grain-based desserts
may not be used to meet the grains requirement. Breakfast cereal must
have no more than 6 grams of added sugars per dry ounce. Information
on crediting grain items may be found in FNS guidance.
(3) * * *
(ii) * * *
Table 6 to Paragraph (o)(3)(ii)--Afterschool Snack Meal Pattern for
Preschoolers
[Select two of the five components for a reimbursable snack]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum quantities
Meal components \1\ ---------------------------------------
Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid Milk \2\.................. 4 fluid ounces.... 4 fluid ounces.
Meats/meat alternates \3\....... \1/2\ ounce \1/2\ ounce
equivalent. equivalent.
Vegetables \4\.................. \1/2\ cup......... \1/2\ cup.
Fruits \4\...................... \1/2\ cup......... \1/2\ cup.
Grains \5\...................... \1/2\ ounce \1/2\ ounce
equivalent. equivalent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Must serve two of the five components for a reimbursable afterschool
snack. Only one of the two components may be a beverage.
\2\ Must be unflavored whole milk for children age one. Must be
unflavored milk for children two through five years old.
\3\ Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in appendix A
to part 226 of this chapter. Through September 30, 2025, yogurt must
contain no more than 23 grams of total sugars per 6 ounces. By October
1, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams of added sugars per
6 ounces (2 grams of added sugars per ounce). Information on crediting
meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS guidance.
\4\ Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the
vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
\5\ At least one serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be
whole grain-rich. Grain-based desserts do not count toward meeting the
grains requirement. Through September 30, 2025, breakfast cereals must
contain no more than 6 grams of total sugars per dry ounce. By October
1, 2025, breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of added
sugars per dry ounce.
* * * * *
(p) * * *
(2) * * *
Table 8 to Paragraph (p)(2)--Preschool Lunch Meal Pattern
[Select the appropriate components for a reimbursable meal]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum quantities
Meal components \1\ ---------------------------------------
Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid Milk...................... 4 fluid ounces \2\ 6 fluid ounces.\3\
Meats/meat alternates \4\....... 1 ounce equivalent 1\1/2\ ounce
equivalent.
Vegetables \5\.................. \1/8\ cup......... \1/4\ cup.
Fruits \5\...................... \1/8\ cup......... \1/4\ cup.
Grains \6\...................... \1/2\ ounce \1/2\ ounce
equivalent. equivalent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Must serve all five components for a reimbursable meal.
\2\ Must serve unflavored whole milk to children age 1.
\3\ Must serve unflavored milk to children 2 through 5 years old.
\4\ Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in appendix A
to part 226 of this chapter. Through September 30, 2025, yogurt must
contain no more than 23 grams of total sugars per 6 ounces. By October
1, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams of added sugars per
6 ounces (2 grams of added sugars per ounce). Information on crediting
meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS guidance.
\5\ Juice must be pasteurized. Full-strength juice may only be offered
to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal or snack, per
day. Vegetables may be offered to meet the entire fruits requirement.
When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds
of vegetables must be served.
\6\ Must serve at least one whole grain-rich serving, across all eating
occasions, per day. Grain-based desserts may not be offered to meet
the grains requirement. Through September 30, 2025, breakfast cereals
must contain no more than 6 grams of total sugars per dry ounce. By
October 1, 2025, breakfast cereal must have no more than 6 grams of
added sugars per dry ounce. Information on crediting grain items may
be found in FNS guidance.
* * * * *
PART 215--SPECIAL MILK PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
0
3. The authority citation for part 215 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1772 and 1779.
0
4. In Sec. 215.7a, revise paragraphs (a)(2) and (3) to read as
follows:
Sec. 215.17a Fluid milk and non-dairy milk substitute requirements.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(2) Children 2 through 5 years old. Children two through five years
old may be served whole, reduced-fat (2 percent), low-fat (1 percent),
or fat-free (skim) milk. Milk must be unflavored.
(3) Children 6 years old and older. Children 6 years old and older
may be served whole, reduced-fat (2 percent), low-fat (1 percent), or
fat-free (skim) milk. Milk may be flavored or unflavored.
* * * * *
[[Page 25079]]
PART 220--SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM
0
5. The authority citation for part 220 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1773, 1779, unless otherwise noted.
0
6. Amend Sec. 220.8 by revising paragraph (b)(2)(ii), table 1 to
paragraph (c) introductory text, paragraphs (d), (f)(2), (i) and table
4 to paragraph (o)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 220.8 Meal requirements for breakfasts.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) Average saturated fat content of the meals offered to each
age/grade group must be less than 10 percent of total calories
(excluding saturated fat from milk used to meet the fluid milk
component requirements) as specified in paragraph (f) of this section;
* * * * *
(c) * * *
Table 1 to Paragraph (c) Introductory Text--School Breakfast Program Meal Pattern
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of food \1\ per week (minimum per day)
Meal components -----------------------------------------------
Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruits (cups) \2\............................................... 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1)
Vegetables (cups) \2\........................................... 0 0 0
Dark Green Subgroup......................................... 0 0 0
Red/Orange Subgroup......................................... 0 0 0
Beans, Peas, and Lentils Subgroup........................... 0 0 0
Starchy Subgroup............................................ 0 0 0
Other Vegetables Subgroup................................... 0 0 0
Grains or Meats/Meat Alternates (oz. eq.) \3\................... 7-10 (1) 8-10 (1) 9-10 (1)
Fluid Milk (cups) \4\........................................... 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dietary Specifications: Daily Amount Based on the Average for a 5-Day Week \5\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum-Maximum Calories (kcal)................................. 350-500 400-550 450-600
Saturated Fat (% of total calories) \6\......................... <10 <10 <10
Added Sugars (% of total calories).............................. <10 <10 <10
Sodium Limit: In place through June 30, 2027.................... <=540 mg <=600 mg <=640 mg
Sodium Limit: Must be implemented by July 1, 2027............... <=485 mg <=535 mg <=570 mg
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Food items included in each group and subgroup and amount equivalents.
\2\ Minimum creditable serving is \1/8\ cup. Schools must offer 1 cup of fruit daily and 5 cups of fruit
weekly. Schools may substitute vegetables for fruit at breakfast as described in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (ii)
of this section.
\3\ Minimum creditable serving is 0.25 oz. eq. School may offer grains, meats/meat alternates, or a combination
of both to meet the daily and weekly ounce equivalents for this combined component. At least 80 percent of
grains offered weekly at breakfast must be whole grain-rich as defined in Sec. 210.2 of this chapter, and
the remaining grain items offered must be enriched.
\4\ Minimum creditable serving is 8 fluid ounces. All fluid milk must meet the requirements in paragraph (d) of
this section.
\5\ By July 1, 2027, schools must meet the dietary specification for added sugars. Schools must meet the sodium
limits by the dates specified in this chart. Discretionary sources of calories may be added to the meal
pattern if within the dietary specifications.
\6\ Saturated fat from milk used to meet the fluid milk component requirements is excluded from the weekly
dietary specification.
* * * * *
(d) Fluid milk requirements. Schools must offer students a variety
(at least two different options) of fluid milk at breakfast daily. Milk
may be whole, reduced-fat (2 percent), low-fat (1 percent), or fat-free
(skim). Lactose-free and reduced-lactose fluid milk may also be
offered. Milk may be flavored or unflavored, provided that unflavored
milk is offered at each meal service. By July 1, 2025, flavored milk
must contain no more than 10 grams of added sugars per 8 fluid ounces,
or for flavored milk sold as competitive food for middle and high
schools, 15 grams of added sugars per 12 fluid ounces. Schools must
also comply with other applicable fluid milk requirements in Sec.
210.10(d) of this chapter.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(2) Saturated fat. School breakfast offered to all age/grade groups
must, on average over the school week, provide less than 10 percent of
total calories from saturated fat (excluding saturated fat from milk
used to meet the fluid milk component requirements).
* * * * *
(i) Nutrient analyses of school meals. Any nutrient analysis of
school breakfasts conducted under the administrative review process set
forth in Sec. 210.18 of this chapter must be performed in accordance
with the procedures established in Sec. 210.10(i) of this chapter. The
purpose of the nutrient analysis is to determine the average levels of
calories, saturated fat (excluding saturated fat from milk used to meet
the fluid milk component requirements), added sugars, and sodium in the
breakfasts offered to each age grade group over a school week.
* * * * *
(o) * * *
(2) * * *
Table 4 to Paragraph (o)(2)--Preschool Breakfast Meal Pattern
[Select the appropriate components for a reimbursable meal]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum quantities
Meal components and food items ---------------------------------------
\1\ Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid Milk \2\.................. 4 fluid ounces.... 6 fluid ounces.
Vegetables, Fruits, or portions \1/4\ cup......... \1/2\ cup.
of both \3\.
[[Page 25080]]
Grains (oz. eq.) \4\............ \1/2\ ounce \1/2\ ounce
equivalent. equivalent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Must serve all three components for a reimbursable meal.
\2\ Must be unflavored whole milk for children age one. Must be
unflavored milk for children two through five years old.
\3\ Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the
vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
\4\ At least one serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be
whole grain-rich. Grain-based desserts do not count toward meeting the
grains requirement. Meats/meat alternates may be offered in place of
the entire grains requirement, up to 3 times per week at breakfast.
One ounce equivalent of a meat/meat alternate credits equal to one
ounce equivalent of grains. Through September 30, 2025, breakfast
cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of total sugars per dry
ounce. By October 1, 2025, breakfast cereals must contain no more than
6 grams of added sugars per dry ounce. Information on crediting grain
items and meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS guidance.
* * * * *
PART 226--CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM
0
7. The authority citation for part 226 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 9, 11, 14, 16, and 17, Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1758, 1759a, 1762a,
1765 and 1766).
0
8. Amend Sec. 226.20 by revising paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) through (iv),
table 2 to paragraph (c)(1), table 3 to paragraph (c)(2), and table 4
to paragraph (c)(3) to read as follows.
Sec. 226.20 Requirements for meals.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) Children 2 through 5 years old. Whole, reduced-fat (2
percent), low-fat (1 percent), or fat-free (skim) milk. Milk must be
unflavored.
(iii) Children 6 years old and older. Whole, reduced-fat (2
percent), low-fat (1 percent), or fat-free (skim) milk may be served.
Milk may be unflavored or flavored.
(iv) Adults. Whole, reduced-fat (2 percent), low-fat (1 percent),
or fat-free (skim) milk may be served. Milk may be unflavored or
flavored. Six ounces (weight) or \3/4\ cup (volume) of yogurt may be
used to fulfill the equivalent of 8 ounces of fluid milk once per day.
Yogurt may be counted as either a fluid milk substitute or as a meat
alternate, but not as both in the same meal.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
Table 2 to Paragraph (c)(1)--Child and Adult Care Food Program Breakfast
[Select the appropriate components for a reimbursable meal]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum quantities
Meal components and food items \1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5 Ages 6-12 Ages 13-18 \2\ Adult participants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid milk......................... 4 fluid ounces \3\.... 6 fluid ounces \4\.... 8 fluid ounces \5\... 8 fluid ounces \5\... 8 fluid ounces \6\.
Vegetables, fruits, or portions of \1/4\ cup............. \1/2\ cup............. \1/2\ cup............ \1/2\ cup............ \1/2\ cup.
both \7\.
Grains \8\......................... \1/2\ ounce equivalent \1/2\ ounce equivalent 1 ounce equivalent... 1 ounce equivalent... 2 ounce equivalents.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Must serve all three components for a reimbursable meal. Offer versus serve is an option for at-risk afterschool care and adult day care centers.
\2\ At-risk afterschool programs and emergency shelters may need to serve larger portions to children ages 13 through 18 to meet their nutritional
needs.
\3\ Must serve unflavored whole milk to children age 1.
\4\ Must serve unflavored milk to children 2 through 5 years old.
\5\ May serve unflavored or flavored milk to children ages 6 and older.
\6\ May serve unflavored or flavored milk to adults. Yogurt may be offered in the place of milk once per day for adults. Yogurt may count as either a
fluid milk substitute or as a meat alternate, but not both, in the same meal. Six ounces (by weight) or \3/4\ cup (by volume) of yogurt is the
equivalent of 8 ounces of fluid milk. Through September 30, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 23 grams of total sugars per 6 ounces. By October
1, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces (2 grams of added sugars per ounce).
\7\ Juice must be pasteurized. Full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal or snack, per day.
\8\ Must serve at least one whole grain-rich serving, across all eating occasions, per day. Grain-based desserts may not be used to meet the grains
requirement. Meats/meat alternates may be offered in place of the entire grains requirement, up to 3 times per week at breakfast. One ounce equivalent
of meats/meat alternates credits equal to one ounce equivalent of grains. Through September 30, 2025, breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6
grams of total sugars per dry ounce. By October 1, 2025, breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of added sugars per dry ounce.
Information on crediting grain items and meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS guidance.
(2) * * *
Table 3 to Paragraph (c)(2)--Child and Adult Care Food Program Lunch and Supper
[Select the appropriate components for a reimbursable meal]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum quantities
Meal components and food items \1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5 Ages 6-12 Ages 13-18 \2\ Adult participants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid milk......................... 4 fluid ounces \3\.... 6 fluid ounces \4\.... 8 fluid ounces \5\... 8 fluid ounces \5\... 8 fluid ounces \6\.
[[Page 25081]]
Meats/meat alternates \7\.......... 1 ounce equivalent.... 1\1/2\ ounce 2 ounce equivalents.. 2 ounce equivalents.. 2 ounce equivalents.
equivalents.
Vegetables \8\..................... \1/8\ cup............. \1/4\ cup............. \1/2\ cup............ \1/2\ cup............ \1/2\ cup.
Fruits \8\......................... \1/8\ cup............. \1/4\ cup............. \1/4\ cup............ \1/4\ cup............ \1/2\ cup.
Grains \9\......................... \1/2\ ounce equivalent \1/2\ ounce equivalent 1 ounce equivalent... 1 ounce equivalent... 2 ounce equivalents.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Must serve all five components for a reimbursable meal. Offer versus serve is an option for at-risk afterschool care and adult day care centers.
\2\ At-risk afterschool programs and emergency shelters may need to serve larger portions to children ages 13 through 18 to meet their nutritional
needs.
\3\ Must serve unflavored whole milk to children age 1.
\4\ Must serve unflavored milk to children 2 through 5 years old.
\5\ May serve unflavored or flavored milk to children ages 6 and older.
\6\ May serve unflavored or flavored milk to adults. Yogurt may be offered in place of milk once per day for adults. Yogurt may count as either a fluid
milk substitute or as a meat alternate, but not both, in the same meal. Six ounces (by weight) or \3/4\ cup (by volume) of yogurt is the equivalent of
8 ounces of fluid milk. A serving of fluid milk is optional for suppers served to adult participants.
\7\ Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in appendix A to this part. Through September 30, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 23
grams of total sugars per 6 ounces. By October 1, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces (2 grams of added
sugars per ounce). Information on crediting meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS guidance.
\8\ Juice must be pasteurized. Full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal or snack, per day. A
vegetable may be offered to meet the entire fruit requirement. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables
must be served.
\9\ Must serve at least one whole grain-rich serving, across all eating occasions, per day. Grain-based desserts may not be used to meet the grains
requirement. Through September 30, 2025, breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of total sugars per dry ounce. By October 1, 2025,
breakfast cereal must contain no more than 6 grams of added sugars per dry ounce. Information on crediting grain items may be found in FNS guidance.
(3) * * *
Table 4 to Paragraph (c)(3)--Child and Adult Care Food Program Snack
[Select two of the five components for a reimbursable snack]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum quantities
Meal components and food items \1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5 Ages 6-12 Ages 13-18 \2\ Adult participants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid milk......................... 4 fluid ounces \3\.... 4 fluid ounces \4\.... 8 fluid ounces \5\... 8 fluid ounces \5\... 8 fluid ounces \6\.
Meats/meat alternates \7\.......... \1/2\ ounce equivalent \1/2\ ounce 1 ounce equivalents.. 1 ounce equivalents.. 1 ounce equivalents.
equivalents.
Vegetables \8\..................... \1/2\ cup............. \1/2\ cup............. \3/4\ cup............ \3/4\ cup............ \1/2\ cup.
Fruits \8\......................... \1/2\ cup............. \1/2\ cup............. \3/4\ cup............ \3/4\ cup............ \1/2\ cup.
Grains \9\......................... \1/2\ ounce equivalent \1/2\ ounce equivalent 1 ounce equivalent... 1 ounce equivalent... 1 ounce equivalents.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Must serve two of the five components for a reimbursable snack. Milk and juice may not be served as the only two items in a reimbursable snack.
\2\ At-risk afterschool programs and emergency shelters may need to serve larger portions to children ages 13 through 18 to meet their nutritional
needs.
\3\ Must serve unflavored whole milk to children age 1.
\4\ Must serve unflavored milk to children 2 through 5 years old.
\5\ May serve unflavored or flavored milk to children ages 6 and older.
\6\ May serve unflavored or flavored milk to adults. Yogurt may be offered in place of milk, once per day for adults. Yogurt may count as either a fluid
milk substitute or as a meat alternate, but not both, in the same meal. Six ounces (by weight) or \3/4\ cup (by volume) of yogurt is the equivalent of
8 ounces of fluid milk.
\7\ Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in appendix A to this part. Through September 30, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 23
grams of total sugars per 6 ounces. By October 1, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces (2 grams of added
sugars per ounce). Information on crediting meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS guidance.
\8\ Juice must be pasteurized. Full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal or snack, per day.
\9\ Must serve at least one whole grain-rich serving, across all eating occasions, per day. Grain-based desserts may not be used to meet the grains
requirement. Through September 30, 2025, breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of total sugars per dry ounce. By October 1, 2025,
breakfast cereal must contain no more than 6 grams of added sugar per dry ounce. Information on crediting grain items may be found in FNS guidance.
* * * * *
Patrick A. Penn,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2026-09212 Filed 5-7-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P
</pre></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 8, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.