A Win for Plant-Based Kids: New Law Allows Dairy-Free Milk in School Lunches

"A newly signed federal law will expand milk options in U.S. school cafeterias, allowing students who can't or don't consume dairy to receive a non-dairy alternative as part of standard school meals for the first time. In a win for animal advocates and public health experts, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act formally opens the door for dairy‑free milk options to be served alongside cow's milk in school cafeterias, without requiring families to provide medical documentation. These provisions come from a congressional bill introduced last year known as The FISCAL Act, which allows schools to include plant-based milks in their cafeteria offerings."

"Under the updated rules, schools will be able to offer plant‑based milk alternatives like soy, oat, or almond milk as part of their regular lunch line, rather than treating them as special accommodations. Students who are lactose intolerant will now also be entitled to a non‑dairy beverage option without needing a doctor's note; this removes a barrier that previously kept many children from receiving suitable alternatives."

""This is a simple change with life‑changing impact," said Dotsie Bausch, a vegan Olympic medalist and founder of Switch4Good, who helped champion the legislation. She said the law ensures students can access plant‑based milk in the lunch line "without the need for a doctor's note," and calls it a meaningful step toward dignity and choice for children with different health needs and values."

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act allows plant-based milk options to be served alongside cow's milk in school cafeterias as regular meal components. Schools can offer soy, oat, or almond milk in the lunch line rather than treating them as special accommodations. Lactose-intolerant students can receive non-dairy beverages without submitting a doctor's note, removing a prior barrier to suitable alternatives. The change aims to reduce food waste from unopened dairy cartons and better reflect family eating habits. The rule also addresses equity concerns, since children of color experience higher rates of lactose intolerance.

Read at Lady Freethinker