New School Meal Rules? Dairy’s Smart Swaps is the Strategic Play

The Dairy Checkoff has introduced 'Smart Swaps,' an initiative from the farmer-founded National Dairy Council to support school nutrition professionals in adhering to the evolving USDA nutrition standards. This program focuses on reducing added sugars and sodium in school meals by providing compliant breakfast menu options. Among the innovations tested by 2,500 students nationwide are items like Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait and Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowl.

Alyson Kirchner, Senior Vice President of Youth and Schools for Dairy Management Inc., emphasizes the alignment with new guidelines and the necessity of ensuring student access to essential nutrients. Katie Bambacht from the NDC highlights 'Smart Swaps' as a tool for enhancing menu efficiency with practical solutions for staff on equipment, milk storage, and more.

Distribution of 'Smart Swaps' resources will be handled by regional checkoff organizations nationwide. This represents a proactive move by the dairy industry to maintain dairy’s presence despite new compliance complexities, effectively branding it as the simple solution for modern school meals.