USDA data show Americans’ per capita consumption of dairy is up 0.6% over the past five years, 8% over the past 15 years and 12% over the past 30 years.

Last week, the USDA released its final rule updating meal standards for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The updated rule encompasses three key victories for dairy and child nutrition, and has drawn applause from industry stakeholders.

This week, parents weighed in on their support for bipartisan legislation to provide whole and 2% milk in public schools, the dairy checkoff announced a pilot project for hot chocolate milk in schools, and a California congressman called for supply chain changes to ensure the availability of school milk.

The next meeting of the Federal Reserve Board’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled for Sept. 19-20.

Three Midwest Senate Ag Committee members urged adjustments to the Dairy Margin Coverage program.

Identifying consumer trends and generating new, innovative dairy products to meet these demands provides opportunities for increased dairy consumption.