December 2025

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) will not be released this year as planned, according to several news sources. Instead, federal officials say the guidelines will come out in early 2026. These guidelines are important because they set the foundation for school meal standards and other nutrition programs. While the law requires the agencies to finish the guidelines by the end of 2025, the public release will likely happen shortly after the new year.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he wants the new guidelines to reflect the principles of the Make America Healthy Again movement. This approach focuses on fresh foods, balanced meals, and reducing ultra-processed products. HHS and USDA are working together to review the scientific report and make sure the final guidelines match these priorities.

For schools and nonprofits, this means current nutrition standards remain in place for now. However, changes could be significant once the new guidelines are published. Planning ahead and staying informed will help you adapt quickly when updates arrive.

Keep an eye out for official announcements early next year. Understanding the new guidelines will be key to menu planning, purchasing decisions, and meeting compliance requirements in 2026 and beyond.

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