The Make Our Children Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission has released its updated strategy to address childhood chronic disease. Key priorities include updating the Dietary Guidelines to emphasize whole foods, improving school meal programs with more healthy options (including whole milk), and reforming food labeling and marketing. These recommendations will continue to influence the development of nutrition policy at the federal level.
At the same time, agencies are working toward a national definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This definition is particularly relevant for dairy because many products, such as yogurt and cheese, may be considered processed yet remain nutrient-dense, culturally significant, and essential to health. National and state dairy organizations have been actively involved in this space, ensuring that policymakers understand dairy’s unique value and advocating for a balanced, science-driven approach.
For farmers, being familiar with these conversations is key. The MAHA strategy and UPF debate both influence how dairy is perceived and supported in federal nutrition policy. Having evidence-based talking points helps ensure dairy is represented accurately in policy and public discussions.
Read the full updated MAHA Strategy Report
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