Health-e Pro released a software solution on February 17, 2026, to support implementation of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (S.222), which was signed into law on January 14, 2026. On June 3, 2026, the software was updated to support the USDA Final Rule, which expands whole milk and reduced-fat (2%) milk to additional Child Nutrition Programs, effective June 8, 2026.
Under the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and USDA’s Final Rule, whole milk and reduced-fat (2%) milk may be offered in the School Breakfast Program (SBP), NSLP Lunch and Afterschool Snack, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for ages 2 and older.
School nutrition programs may have questions about how these changes affect operations and nutrient analysis requirements. In the sections below, we break down what the update means and how it’s supported in Health-e Pro.
What Changed for School Nutrition Programs?
Schools participating in SBP, NSLP Lunch and Afterschool Snack, and CACFP may offer additional fluid milk options beginning June 8, 2026. The new options include whole milk and reduced-fat (2%) milk.
USDA guidance notes that milk may be flavored or unflavored, and organic or nonorganic options may be offered. The guidance also addresses fluid milk substitutes and the nutrient standards they must meet if offered.
In addition, USDA guidance states that parents or legal guardians, along with certain qualified health professionals, may provide written statements requesting that a student receive a fluid milk substitute in relation to disability accommodations.
Saturated fat from fluid milk is excluded from the weekly saturated fat calculation for NSLP and SBP. All other nutrition requirements continue to apply to the entire reimbursable meal, including calories, sodium, and added sugars.
For program-specific compliance and implementation questions, contact your state agency for guidance.
Where Does This Apply in Health-e Pro?
- School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Lunch
- NSLP Afterschool Snack
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) age groups 2 and older
To use these milk options, menus must be assigned to the appropriate meal type, age group, and nutrition standards. Programs should also double check that menus are assigned to the correct session, and that the session is assigned to the 2025-26 school year.
For detailed setup instructions, see Health-e Pro’s Support Article and Quick Tip Video in the Support Center.
Key Takeaways: Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
- The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (S.222) was signed into law on January 14, 2026.
- Whole milk and reduced-fat (2%) milk are now allowable in NSLP Lunch, SBP, NSLP Afterschool Snack, and CACFP for ages 2 and older.
- CACFP milk requirements for children age 1 remain unchanged, and unflavored whole milk continues to be required.
- Saturated fat from fluid milk is excluded from weekly saturated fat calculations in NSLP Lunch and SBP.
- USDA guidance includes updates related to fluid milk substitutes and disability accommodations.
- Health-e Pro released software updates supporting these requirements on June 3, 2026.