Kick off 2026 with trusted resources to support healthy students and thriving school communities. From engaging nutrition education tools to the latest research, policy updates and hands-on learning experiences, this issue highlights practical ways to bring healthy choices to the forefront in 2026.
The 2026 Trends publication from Dairy Council of CA is now available, bringing research, policy and real-world context to educators and school nutrition professionals navigating an evolving nutrition landscape. Top trends include ongoing challenges related to children’s health and nutrition, defining and regulating ultra-processed foods and rising consumer demand for protein. Stay tuned for our upcoming webinar and read the publication here.
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been released, focusing on nutrient-rich, whole foods, including full-fat dairy, protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains, and limiting highly processed foods. Explore the latest edition here.
On January 14, President Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, allowing schools to offer whole and 2% milk alongside current low-fat and fat-free options. This federal change provides districts additional flexibility to align offerings with student preferences while still providing the essential nutrients that support healthy cognitive and physical growth. At this time, school foodservice directors should hold off on making any menu changes until the California Department of Education provides further guidance. Hear from Dairy Council of CA Chief Executive Officer, Amy DeLisio, MPH, RDN, on the nutrition science behind milk and how evolving policy may support student choice in schools here.
Arts in Action Community Charter School, in partnership with Schools in Action, received a Dairy Council of CA Let’s Eat Healthy Community Grant to implement a dairy-focused nutrition education program. The package of Let’s Eat Healthy school-based resources reached TK–5th grade students and their families. The school also coordinated bimonthly taste tests featuring dairy infused, culturally relevant recipes and led campaign activations for World School Milk Day and National Dairy Month. These activities provided fun and meaningful experiences that helped bring nutrition education and dairy agricultural literacy to life.
On January 11, Dairy Council of CA celebrated National Milk Day by highlighting milk’s long‑standing role as a safe, nutritious and affordable food. To mark the occasion, Dairy Council of CA partnered with Dr. Sushma Chamarti, a pediatrician and obesity medicine physician and Chair of the California American Academy of Pediatrics chapter 1 Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention Committee to release a video that includes why milk supports children’s growth and development. Watch the video here.
Bring healthy eating to life with Let’s Eat Healthy Together, Season 2! This new season explores how food can nourish our bodies and minds while also bringing joy to the table. View Season 2 here.
Farm-to-school and agricultural education can happen all year long. The Mobile Dairy Classroom brings a dairy cow to students, teaching how milk is produced and how dairy contributes to healthy eating. Sign up today for a virtual or in-person visit and give your school an engaging, memorable agriculture-in-action experience. Register here.
Did you miss the latest Brain Fitness webinar episode, titled “New Year, Stronger Brain”? The recording is now available. Examine the link between nutrition and brain health as we age and learn the importance of whole foods, including probiotics and prebiotics for gut and brain health. Check out the recording here.
Have questions, ideas or want to collaborate?
Contact Maria Frye, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Community & School Engagement Project Manager, at mfrye@dairycouncilofca.org.