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ADA Mideast program helping schools navigate the updated USDA meal guidelines

A new program from the American Dairy Association Mideast is helping schools navigate the USDA’s updated federal nutrition standards.

Jenny Crabtree, senior vice president of communications, says Smart Swaps provides nutritionists with recipes and resources to help them meet the new guidelines.

“We’re working with schools to show them how dairy can fit their business model and how it can increase their school meal participation,” she says. “We’re here to help with these recipes and helping them better understand the milk opportunities that they can better serve their students with.”

The USDA’s 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognizes dairy as an important part of a well-balanced diet. Schools will also have expanded milk options for students during the 2026-2027 school year.

She tells Brownfield dairy continues to be a staple in school meal programs.

“It’s important that they get nutritious meals both with breakfast and lunch at school,” she says. “Dairy provides calcium, potassium, 13 essential nutrients, and of course protein. It helps them perform better at school.”

Crabtree says an expanded offering of dairy foods in schools helps connect students with the products produced by local farmers.

Brownfield interviewed Crabtree during the 2026 Farm Science Review.

AUDIO: Jenny Crabtree, ADA Mideast