As part of Secretary Rollins’ commitment to support American beef and create healthy outcomes for American children, the Farm to School Program is committed to working with CNP operators to help them source and serve local in program meals.
In this program guidance, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, strongly encourages child nutrition program operators to familiarize themselves with the key recommendations and consider how the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 can be incorporated into program meals and snacks to promote healthy outcomes and healthy families.
President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. This memorandum and the attachment provide guidance on implementation of the updated fluid milk requirements for school lunch as required by the new law.
This memorandum provides estimates of the number of new discretionary exemptions each state agency has earned for FY 2026.
On Nov. 12, 2025, President Trump signed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 into law. Section 787 of the Act directs USDA to update the maximum monthly allowance of fluid milk for certain food packages provided in the WIC program.
This memorandum provides state agencies with additional information on implementing Section 10102(b) and (c) of the OBBB, which changes criteria for waivers of the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit with special provisions for Alaska and Hawaii. Please note, we are reviewing SNAP regulations pertaining to ABAWD waiver requirements following enactment of the OBBB to determine changes necessary to comply with the changes.
This memorandum provides state agencies additional information on implementing Section 10102(a) of the OBBB, which changes exceptions from the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit.
State agencies are responsible for identifying the brands, types, and forms of WIC-eligible foods, including substitution options, to authorize for their state food list and must include more than one product for most WIC food categories. While state agencies have flexibility and options when making these determinations, they are required to authorize certain substitution types and forms to ensure WIC families are receiving a package of healthy foods.
In alignment with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ priorities to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families and connect America’s farmers to nutrition assistance programs, we are revising the CSFP Maximum Monthly Distribution Rates to reflect the foods currently available in the program.
As a reminder, meals and snacks offered through the child nutrition programs may be claimed for federal reimbursement if they meet the federal nutrition requirements and other federal regulations. State agencies may not withhold federal reimbursement for meals that meet the federal requirements, even if additional state requirements are not met. However, if a state provides an additional reimbursement above the federal reimbursement, they may withhold the state reimbursement.