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FISCAL Act
4/23/2025, 1:32 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2539
Under this proposed legislation, schools would be required to offer a selection of different types of milk, such as low-fat, non-fat, and flavored milk, in addition to the traditional whole milk option. By offering a variety of milk choices, students can choose the option that best suits their dietary needs and preferences.
The bill also includes provisions to ensure that schools are able to comply with these new requirements, including providing technical assistance and guidance to help schools implement the changes effectively. Additionally, the bill aims to promote transparency and accountability by requiring schools to report on the types of milk offered to students. Overall, the Milk Variety in Schools Act seeks to improve the nutritional quality of school lunches and empower students to make healthier choices when it comes to their milk consumption. By offering a variety of milk options, schools can better meet the diverse needs of their student population and promote overall health and wellness.
Congressional Summary of HR 2539
Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches Act or the FISCAL Act
This bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to require that schools offer plant-based milk.
Under current law, schools must provide a substitute for fluid milk for students whose disability restricts their diet (on receipt of a written statement from a licensed physician). Schools may also substitute a nondairy beverage for fluid milk for students who have an identified medical or other special dietary need (on receipt of a written statement from a medical authority or a student's parent or legal guardian).
The bill eliminates the exceptions and documentation requirements. Instead, schools participating in the school lunch program must offer all students a plant-based milk option that is consistent with (1) the most recent U.S. Dietary Guidelines, or (2) USDA-established nutritional standards if the milk is not included under those guidelines.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 2539
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2539
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
4Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
3Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2539
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2539
Comments
Layton Hodge
10 months ago
This bill is a disaster waiting to happen. It's going to screw over so many people, including myself. How are we supposed to survive with this crap in place? What are the short term affects going to be for us regular folks?
