Secretaries Kennedy and Rollins, of the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture respectively, on January 7, 2025 released updated dietary guidance.

The new standard flips the long-held food pyramid on its point by reducing the categories of foods to three. One category–protein, dairy and healthy fats–combines meats, poultry and fish are combined with dairy and eggs. A second category is comprised of  fruits and vegetables, while Whole Grains comprise the third. Oils and sweets are eliminated.

To promote a healthy and balanced diet, the new guidance recommends that people should focus on protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Only two to four servings per day of whole grains are recommended, noting that ultra processed grains like boxed cereals should be avoided.

Many government programs reference nutritional guidelines including, for example, the Child and Adult Care Food Program which is utilized by some adult day programs. For this program, the regulations clearly indicate the need to comply with dietary guidelines issued for 2020-2025. This reference is likely to be updated in the coming months, though no change is immediately necessary.

Providers under state regulatory frameworks are advised to check their regulatory meal and nutritional requirements. If regulations reference “current nutritional guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture” updates to policies and meal contents are likely going to require adjustment.

This could include a budgetary impact, with the increased focus on proteins.