Bill > S222

This bill modifies the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand milk options for schools participating in the national school lunch program. Specifically, the legislation allows schools to offer a variety of fluid milk options, including flavored and unflavored whole milk (both organic and non-organic), reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk, as well as lactose-free milk and nutritionally equivalent non-dairy beverages. The bill also clarifies that milk fat will not be counted as saturated fat when measuring meal nutritional compliance, and it requires that alternative milk beverages meet specific nutritional standards established by the Secretary of Agriculture, including fortification with calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Additionally, the bill enhances food allergy training for local food service personnel by mandating the inclusion of information about food allergies, such as best practices for preventing, recognizing, and responding to allergic reactions in the existing training modules. The legislation aims to provide more flexible milk options for students while maintaining nutritional standards and improving food service staff preparedness for managing potential allergic reactions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/222/all-info