Ages 2+ Can Have Whole and 2% Milk Starting June 8, 2026!
On Friday, May 8, the Federal Register announced that whole and 2% milk will be allowed for ages 2 and older effective June 8, 2026. Sites must:
- Continue to serve unflavored whole milk to one-year-olds.
- Serve unflavored milk (whole, 2%/reduced fat, 1%/low fat, 0%/fat free/skim) to ages 1-5.
- Serve milk (whole, 2%/reduced fat, 1%/low fat, 0%/fat free/skim) to ages 6 and older. Ages 6+ can have flavored milk; Centers must note this in the "Menu Notes" section. Homes must contact the office to let us know they are serving flavored milk.
See the federal register announcement below. Sites are encouraged to comment in support of this regulation by June 8, 2026. This regulation should expand milk options and prevent some deductions, especially on center claims.
Exceptions:
- Parents can request a creditable plant-based milk (that contains the same nutrients as dairy milk) with a Parent/Guardian form.
- Milk that does NOT meet requirements can only be served for medical reasons with an approved medical statement from the child's health care provider (who can write prescriptions in IL OR Registered Dietitian).