American Dairy Association Mideast Launches Program to Assist Schools with USDA Meal Guidelines

Jenny Crabtree, the association's senior vice president of communications, explained that the Smart Swaps program provides nutritionists with recipes and resources aimed at helping schools comply with the new guidelines.

She emphasized the importance of dairy in school meal programs, stating, “We’re working with schools to show them how dairy can fit their business model and how it can increase their school meal participation. We’re here to help with these recipes and help them better understand the milk opportunities that they can better serve their students with.”

The USDA's 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlight dairy as a key component of a balanced diet, with expanded milk options to be available for students starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

Crabtree noted that dairy plays a central role in ensuring that students receive nutritious meals during both breakfast and lunch. “It provides calcium, potassium, 13 essential nutrients, and of course protein. It helps them perform better at school,” she said.

Additionally, she mentioned that increasing the variety of dairy products available in schools fosters a connection between students and local dairy farmers.

Brownfield conducted an interview with Crabtree during the 2026 Farm Science Review.