SNA SmartBrief
Senate backs return of whole, 2% milk to schools | School lunch reform faces setback as federal grant is cut | County pays off student meal debt amid SNAP concerns
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November 21, 2025
 
 
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Senate backs return of whole, 2% milk to schools
 
Caucasian boy drinking milk
(Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images)
The Senate passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to serve whole and 2% milk alongside the current options of fat-free and 1% milk. The bill is supported by dairy industry groups, and the House is expected to act quickly on the bill, which could be implemented as soon as the next school year.
Full Story: WDAF-TV (Kansas City, Mo.) (11/20), Dairy Herd Management magazine (11/20)
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School Update
 
School lunch reform faces setback as federal grant is cut
The San Luis Coastal Unified School District in California revamped its lunch menu over the past decade, moving from packaged foods to freshly prepared dishes such as baked chicken drumsticks and plant-based bowls, emphasizing the use of local ingredients. The district made these adjustments with help from a federal grant program that recently ended, leaving SLCUSD and other districts without needed funds.
Full Story: EdSource (11/20)
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County pays off student meal debt amid SNAP concerns
DeKalb County in Georgia is paying $16,500 to clear school meal debt for 1,818 students, inspired by state Rep. Imani Barnes' efforts to ensure all students receive full meals during SNAP benefit uncertainty. Barnes continues to push for the Healthy Start Act, which aims to provide free school meals statewide.
Full Story: Decaturish (Ga.) (11/20)
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California schools begin shift to fresh, local meals
KQED-TV/FM (San Francisco) (11/20)
 
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Nutrition & Wellness
 
"Fibermaxxing" trend prompts guidance on fiber intake
The trend of "fibermaxxing" is on the rise in the US, with a noticeable surge in new food products touting high or added fiber, according to market research firm Mintel. Food industry leaders and experts recognize fiber as the latest sought-after nutrient, but they recommend consuming it appropriately and caution against overemphasizing single nutrients at the expense of overall dietary health.
Full Story: Food Manufacturing (11/20)
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Trends & Research
 
CDC changes webpage on vaccines and autism
The CDC has revised a webpage to suggest that vaccines could cause autism and any claims to the contrary are not based on evidence. The CDC's previous position, based on extensive research, was that there is no link between vaccines and autism.
Full Story: Reuters (11/20)
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Leadership
 
Get comfortable with discomfort to stop people-pleasing
 
young woman talking to young man with yellow background
(We Are/Getty Images)
Being a people-pleaser at work can hinder your career advancement as you prioritize others' needs over your own goals, writes Beatriz Victoria Albina, a master certified coach, who explains that people-pleasing stems from a desire to avoid discomfort and manage others' emotions. Albina suggests building tolerance for discomfort as a way to break the habit, starting with small steps, such as saying, "Let me think about it and get back to you," to give yourself time to consider whether you can take on more work.
Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (11/20)
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Regenerative leadership can combat workplace fatigue
Forbes (tiered subscription model) (11/19)
 
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ICYMI
 
 
Philly students offer candid reviews at school lunch tasting
The Philadelphia Inquirer (tiered subscription model) (11/19)