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School Meals Set for Major Overhaul as Government Pushes Whole Milk
Washington D.C. - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is poised to implement new dietary guidelines prioritizing protein and full-fat dairy in school meals, potentially revolutionizing food service programs across the nation. The changes, which emphasize whole foods and reduced processing, could present significant challenges for school districts reliant on federal funding and accustomed to serving convenient, ready-to-eat options.
The shift comes as whole milk consumption has seen an upswing in recent years, according to Vox. On January 14, 2026, then U.S. President Donald Trump signed a series of bills including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to allow the sale of whole milk in school cafeterias across the country.
The new guidelines highlight the complex interplay between federal policy, nutritional science, and the practical realities of school food service, according to NPR News. Schools accustomed to serving items like pizza and pre-packaged sandwiches will need to find innovative approaches to meet the new nutritional standards.
This focus on dairy is part of a broader trend, with the government seemingly keen to promote whole milk consumption, according to Vox.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is also focused on securing access to critical minerals. Multiple news sources report that the US is spearheading an initiative to create a trade zone for critical minerals, aiming to reduce China's dominance in the industry, with plans to use tariffs and invest heavily in mining projects, according to BBC Business. The US government hosted a Critical Minerals Ministerial event with countries like the UK, EU, Japan, and others to discuss securing access to minerals essential for technologies like computer chips and electric vehicle batteries.
These domestic policy shifts occur against a backdrop of global instability and economic inequality. Multiple news sources describe the current U.S. economy as K-shaped, where wealthier individuals benefit from rising stock prices and home values while lower-income households, particularly those without a college degree, struggle with inflation and slower retail spending growth, according to Fortune. Analysis of consumer spending data from 2023-2025 reveals that college graduates are increasing their spending at a higher rate than non-graduates, highlighting the growing economic disparity linked to education levels.
Multiple news sources highlight ongoing investigations into corporate and governmental misconduct, privacy concerns, and the socioeconomic impact of AI, set against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and economic inequality, according to Fortune. The nation also anticipates Super Bowl LX, a rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots with new quarterbacks.
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