Published: 90 days ago
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USDA issued a request for information on December 26, 2024, to obtain input to help inform future policymaking, guidance, and technical assistance related to grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt crediting in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP). Public input may be submitted to FNS through March 26, 2025.
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USDA issued a request for information on December 26, 2024, to obtain input to help inform future policymaking, guidance, and technical assistance related to grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt crediting in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP). Public input may be submitted to USDA through March 26, 2025.
SUMMARY:
On February 7, 2023, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued a proposed rule to update Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meal pattern requirements. The rule included a proposal to limit grain-based desserts in the School Breakfast Program to no more than two ounce equivalents per week, consistent with the National School Lunch Program. However, based on public feedback, FNS did not finalize that proposed limit in the final rule, which published on April 25, 2024. Partners raised concerns that the proposal would limit options at school breakfast and recommended that FNS re-evaluate use of grain-based desserts at school breakfast. In the final rule, USDA committed to exploring methods for improving and simplifying grain-based dessert requirements by soliciting further partner input.
Regarding yogurt, the variety of yogurt available at retail and in the K-12 market, including high-protein yogurt (e.g., Greek and Greek-style yogurt), has grown and evolved significantly. Therefore, in 2017, FNS requested public input on whether high-protein yogurt (including Greek and Greek-style yogurt) should credit differently than regular yogurt. Those comments were mixed and, as a result, FNS maintained consistent crediting for all yogurt in the CNPs. FNS is now seeking additional public input to determine if any new information warrants a change to yogurt crediting in the CNPs.
Additional Resources:
• More information about the request for information can be found on the FNS website
• Comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to Request for Information: Grain-Based Desserts and High-Protein Yogurt Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs and follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
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