National Nutrition Month, New Legislation & Upcoming Events

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme, Discover the Power of Nutrition, highlights how food and beverage choices and federal nutrition programs support individuals and communities in achieving better health.  As part of the monthlong celebration, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day on March 11, 2026, honors the critical work of RDNs. At Dairy Council of California, we are proud to celebrate our nine registered dietitians who work on behalf of the dairy community to educate, advocate and promote dairy’s powerful role in healthy eating patterns and nutrition guidelines in California and beyond.

February 20, 2026, marked the last day to introduce new bills in California for this legislative session. A few food and nutrition-related bills are particularly relevant to the dairy community: 

• AB 2171 (Nutrition benefits: sweetened drinks and candy) and SB 1134 (SNAP to Thrive Act) have been introduced separately in the House and the Senate to restrict purchase of sweetened beverages, candy and packaged desserts (SB 1134 only) using SNAP/CalFresh benefits. Milks with added sugar along with 100% fruit and vegetable juices are exempt. Eighteen states have already passed similar measures and obtained USDA approval for SNAP purchasing restrictions.
• AB 2034 (Food safety: unsafe additives and ingredient disclosures) aims to reform food chemical safety by requiring companies to demonstrate the safety of the food additives used in products sold in California. 
  

Dairy Council of CA will continue to monitor these bills and keep you informed of key developments. 

---

California Dairy Sustainability Summit

The 2026 California Dairy Sustainability Summit is taking place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Visalia Convention Center. Industry leaders, policymakers, dairy farmers and other leading experts will take the stage to talk about the future of California dairy, efforts to address water scarcity, changing regulations, and the latest strategies for improving economic and environmental sustainability. There will be multiple ways to engage with Dairy Council of CA at the summit:

• Attend the panel session titled Dairy in a Changing Food System, which will explore how dairy foods can help meet today’s evolving human nutrition demands while supporting long-term health and sustainability goals. This session is supported by Dairy Council of CA.
• Join us for a Dairy Innovation and Education Reception on Monday evening, March 23, 5–6:30 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center lobby and outdoor plaza for an opportunity to connect with the Mobile Dairy Classroom. There is no added cost. Please RSVP to attend the reception when you register for the summit.
• Celebrate Dairy Council of CA board members Maureen Lemos and Arlene VanderEyk, who will be honored as California Dairy Women of Distinction.
• Visit us in the Expo Hall to learn more about Dairy Council of CA nutrition education programming and resources. 

Visit cadairysummit.com for more information and to register.  Check out the full agenda here. 

---

Upcoming Health and Nutrition Webinars

2026 Food & Nutrition Trends: What’s Shaping Health Today

Join us on March 18, 2026, 12 to 1 p.m. PDT to explore the 2026 Food & Nutrition Trends shaping education, health systems and communities. Designed for health professionals, partners, and those interested in the latest nutrition insights, this webinar provides a big picture view of the four key trends, their impact on practice and how to apply these insights to strengthen partnerships and priorities. This webinar offers 1 CPEU approved by CDR. Register here.

Whole Milk & Dairy in Schools: Supporting Student Health and Success

Join us Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. PDT for an interactive session for school nutrition professionals and industry partners. Explore the role of milk and dairy foods in child nutrition, understand the science of how whole milk fits in healthy eating patterns and review evolving national guidance shaping school meals and beverage options. Register here. 

---

New Educational Resource: Dairy Supports Healthy Aging

Dairy Council of CA continues to develop innovative resources that align with our Trends publication, including the growing need for nutrition solutions that support healthy aging. Dairy Supports Healthy Aging highlights how dairy foods, balanced nutrition and daily movement support wellness throughout adulthood. This easy-to-use resource, designed for sharing with older adults, caregivers and community partners, offers simple tips to strengthen brain, bone, muscle and gut health as people age. View this new resource here.

---

Spotlight on Dairy Research + Media

• Research: A new study found Child and Adult Care Food Program meals and snacks support nutritious diets for young children by contributing to higher intakes of dairy and whole grains. Read the full study here.
• Media: My recent editorial in Cheese Market News, “Whole Foods, Protein and Healthy Fat Come Into Favor,” explores how interest in whole foods, protein and evolving perspectives on dietary fats are shaping the nutrition conversation and highlights the role of dairy within healthy eating patterns. Topics include the dairy matrix, growing protein demand and the complexity of discussions around ultra-processed foods. Read the article here.

If you have questions, concerns or feedback you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards, 

Amy DeLisio, CEO
Dairy Council of California