Dairy Industry Leaders to Urge Lawmakers to Advance Child Nutrition Reauthorization (JAV)

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2021—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and dairy industry leaders from across the country are virtually meeting this month with Members of Congress to advocate for changes to several Child Nutrition Reauthorization policies and discuss the nutritional benefits of dairy products in child nutrition programs. Specifically, dairy leaders are advocating for the following: Allow schools to again serve low-fat flavored milk in school meal programs, which is currently permitted on a temporary basis. This is consistent with recommendations in the two most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. An extension for dairy companies to meet Target 2 sodium levels in the School Meals Program and reconsideration of Target 3 sodium levels for particular products, such as cheese, where sodium is necessary for food safety and functional purposes. Sensible package and variety flexibility for yogurt and milk in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that were allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic and were proven to be effective in both increasing food access and furthering the nutritional integrity of the WIC program. ...