Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

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
Related Content
  • Food Service Staff Education and Training
    Information for new School Nutrition Program (SNP) professionals and an overview of the School Nutrition and Summer Nutrition Programs, online trainings, resources, and program contact information.
  • Nutrition What's New
    News and announcements relating to nutrition for program operators and contacts.
Trending in Nutrition
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Food Safety Inspections Reminder (added 18-Mar-2026)
    Reminds school nutrition program operators of food safety inspection and reporting requirements for school year 2025–26.
  • P2 Application Deadline for School Year 2026-27 (added 17-Mar-2026)
    Provides guidance to school food authorities regarding how to apply to participate in Provision 2 for school year 2026-27.
  • Input Request on CA Universal Meals Implementation (added 16-Mar-2026)
    The California Department of Education, in partnership with the Nutrition Policy Institute, is conducting a voluntary statewide survey to continue to assess the implementation of California Universal Meals; this survey is in follow up to the survey c
  • Updated Sample FSMC RFP and Contract in CNIPS (added 13-Mar-2026)
    An updated Sample Food Service Management Company Request for Proposals and Model Fixed-price Contract document is now available. Updates include revised Buy American and California Agricultural Preference requirements and clarified responsibilities.
  • 2026 SUN Bucks Data Submission (added 13-Mar-2026)
    Information on 2026 SUN Bucks data submission.