Raise a Glass to Wellness on World School Milk Day (2024)

ATLANTA, GA -- The Dairy Alliance, a leader in the dairy industry in raising awareness about the nutritional advantages of dairy milk, is encouraging students and families to raise a glass to their health and wellness on World School Milk Day. On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, students around the world can celebrate this holiday that spotlights the benefits of school milk programs.

"The school milk program started in 1954 to help improve nourishment among U.S. school children. Today, the benefits of milk continue to shine with its high-quality protein, calcium and 13 essential nutrients, which are instrumental in helping children grow, develop and perform," said Geri Berdak, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. "It is vital for children to establish healthy habits early to ensure a strong overall well-being."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend children ranging from 2 to 8 years old should strive for daily consumption of 2.5 cups of dairy, while those aged 9 to 18 should target three cups daily. Currently, schools provide delicious and refreshing dairy milk for breakfast and lunch. Options include fat-free and/or low-fat (1%) unflavored milk, with many schools also offering fat-free and/or low-fat flavored (1%) milk.

"Dairy consumption can come in the form of milk or other delicious dairy foods including Greek yogurt and cheeses," said Laura Buxenbaum, MPH, RD, LDN, Senior Director, Health & Wellness at The Dairy Alliance. "There are a variety of milk options for children and families to choose from. Milk should be incorporated daily at school and home to ensure that children are consuming the amounts needed to maintain their health and wellness."

World School Milk Day was first celebrated in September 2000. It has become an annual event promoted by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and is observed all over the world. It is celebrated on the last Wednesday of September.

In addition to partnering with schools throughout the Southeast to educate students, teachers, and parents about the importance of dairy in children's daily diet, The Dairy Alliance also provides interactive programs. A signature program for the organization is Adopt a Cow. The nationwide educational program brings agricultural discovery to classrooms. In 2022, more than 40,000 elementary and middle school classrooms, homeschool families, library groups, and other organizations participated in the program that gives students an inside look at dairy farms in the region.