October 1, 2004
To:	School Food Authorities
From:	Frances N. O'Donnell, Coordinator
Subject:	Fluid Milk - Reauthorization 2004

Effective July 1, 2005 (2005-2006 School Year), Section 102 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-265) amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, section 9(a)(2). This amendment eliminates the requirement of schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to offer students a variety of fluid milk, remaining consistent with their preferences of the previous year. As amended, schools must offer fluid milk in a variety of fat contents which is being interpreted to mean a minimum of two types of fluid milk.  Schools also may offer flavored or unflavored milk, as well as lactose-free fluid milk. This provision applies only to the NSLP, as both the School Breakfast Program and Special Milk Program have the flexibility to offer any type of milk.

This information is being provided to you now so you can prepare your milk bids for the 2005-2006 school year accordingly.