Washoe County School District’s Dairy Nutrition Program: How Going Dye-Free Benefits Your Child’s Health

RENO, Nev. — The International Dairy Food Association plans to rid milk, cheese, and yogurt sold in K-12 schools of certain artificial colors like Red 3 and Yellow 5. This change will take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

In contrast, the Washoe County School District is already ahead of the curve. Daniel Pimm, the Food Service Director, explained, “We’ve been fortunate because we have not had to deal with that, so it won’t impact us much.” Their nutrition program is guided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meaning every meal adheres to strict nutritional standards.

Pimm highlighted that meals include protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk. Each day, the district serves about 43,000 students, operating under a state wellness policy that prohibits caffeine and chewing gum. They also carefully monitor serving sizes and steer clear of artificial food colors in dairy items.

The district partners with local providers like Model Dairy, which uses natural ingredients such as cocoa for chocolate milk and beet juice for strawberry milk. Many breakfast cereals, such as Trix and Lucky Charms, once included artificial dyes to make them appealing, but the district prioritizes healthier options.

Pimm mentioned that even American cheese has been made healthier. Instead of artificial coloring, it now uses a natural extract from the Achiote tree.

The emphasis on nutritious meals helps students perform better academically. Research shows that proper nutrition positively impacts learning and concentration.

For more information, you can view the District’s Food at School policy here.

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IDFA,USDA,Washoe County School District Nutrition Plan