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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030

Announcing an update to the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 - Eat Real Food

On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted a new policy guidance SP 02-2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 – Eat Real Food External link opens in new window or tab..

While the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) will eventually guide changes to federal Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meal requirements, these updated guidelines do not immediately change your program operations.

The USDA is in the process of developing a proposed rule to revise the CNP meal standards to align with the updated DGAs. Part of this rulemaking process includes a public comment period to allow for feedback before the regulations go into effect.

Until a final rule becomes effective, CNP Operators must continue meeting current meal requirements. However, you are encouraged to become familiar with the key recommendations and consider how the updated DGAs can be incorporated into your meal programs.

Resources

Access the new edition of the DGAs and the daily servings guide web page External link opens in new window or tab..

Contact Information

If you have questions in the meantime, contact the School Nutrition Programs Unit at SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Friday, February 27, 2026
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