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This interim 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 older. This rule codifies milk-fat 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 milk-fat-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.

Overall Description of Deadline: Public Law 119-69 was effective upon enactment of the law on January 14, 2026, and is codified in this rule. The rule also extends the options the law provides to other child nutrition programs. USDA has concluded that it impracticable to issue a proposed rule impacting these other child nutrition programs as it would create inconsistencies in program operations.