School milk resources - IDF - IDF is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain (2024)

The contribution of school milk programmes to the nutrition of children worldwide – Edition 2020

Following on from its previous research, IDF has developed a new report which compiles data from global experts in the field on different programs around the world. The report provides insights on the range of products, implementation and population, accompanied by raw data. The new edition also includes a review on the evidence of the nutritional benefits of these programs, offering new insights into the global impact of school milk. Results of the survey are included in Excel tables for your use.

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School milk and wider feeding programs contribute to the good health and nutrition of school children around the world.

There are a wide range programs in place, either dedicated school milk
programs or integrated in wider school feeding, with the number of programs increasing each year. Schools and milk providers implement programs in a range of ways – from national or regional level to individual schools.

Find out more about school milk in your part of the world.

add your program to the list

• EU Member Countries
• China
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Latvia
• Netherlands

• Nigeria, Lagos State
• Norway
• Poland
• Republic of Ireland
• Russia
• Turkey
• UK – School Milk UK
• UK – Cool Milk
• USA

What are global dietary guidelines and why are they important?

Food-based dietary guidelines are intended to establish a basis for public food and nutrition, health and agricultural policies and nutrition education programs to foster healthy eating habits and lifestyles. The guidelines provide advice on foods, food groups and dietary patterns to provide the required nutrients to the general public to promote overall health and prevent chronic diseases.

The FAO database on dietary guidelines show that currently 94 countries have dietary guidelines with 100% of them advising the consumption of dairy. This is in support of the overwhelming evidence that the consumption of dairy foods are part of healthy dietary patterns and are associated with positive health outcomes.

Dairyfoods such asmilk, cheese and yogurt offer essential nutrients that help nourish people throughout life.

Read more about global insights on school feeding and recommendations on dairy consumption, with specific reference to school feeding and nutrition:

• Nutrition guidelines and standards for school meals: A report from 33 low and middle-income countries (FAO)

• State of School Feeding Worldwide 2020 (UN World Food Programme)
• Nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program (USDA)
• Chinese Association for Student Nutrition and Health Promotion
• Dairy’s role in healthy and sustainable diets (IDF)
• School Feeding Handbook (Tetra Laval)
• GCNF School Meal Programmes Around the World_Report 2021_

Get in touch with organizations promoting, supporting and/or implementing school milk programs in around the world

• FAO School Milk Info
• FAO School Food and Nutrition
• EU School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme
• FEPALE – The Pan American Dairy Federation
• Tetra Pak School Feeding & Nutrition
• The Partnership for Child Development – School Nutrition
• Global Child Nutrition Foundation
• World Bank – SABER School Health & School Feeding
• World Food Programme (WFP) School Meals

Many school milk programs are supported by educational measures. This can include lessons, but can also include farm visits, tasting and cooking workshops, activities, and games.

These can help to reconnect children to agriculture and teach them about healthy eating habits, along with important issues such as local food chains, organic farming, sustainable production, and topics like recycling and food waste.

Educational activities may also involve teachers and parents as they are role models for children’s healthy eating habits and lifestyles, with promotion of the benefits of active lifestyles through the distribution of physical education packs to schools.

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