The Dairy Alliance Expands Youth Wellness Programs to Boost Dairy Consumption in Southeast Schools

USA 27.09.2024

Source: DairyNews.today

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is significantly expanding its youth wellness initiatives across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Through Dairy Optimization (DO), Fuel Up, and GENYOUth grants, over 300,000 students will benefit from programs designed to increase dairy milk consumption in schools.

The Dairy Alliance Expands Youth Wellness Programs to Boost Dairy Consumption in Southeast Schools

Geri Berdak, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, emphasized the importance of dairy nutrition education, stating, “Our mission is to empower students to fuel their minds and bodies with the benefits of dairy, while supporting local farmers.”

These grants fund projects like Moo Brew, Smoothies, Strive for 35, and Milk Dispensers, improving students' milk experience. By Fall 2024, 120 DO grants will be implemented, reaching over 100,000 students. Additionally, 84 Fuel Up and 73 GENYOUth grants, awarded this spring, will impact 157 schools, benefiting more than 104,000 students in the 2024-2025 school year.

The Dairy Alliance also trains school nutrition staff, enhancing the effectiveness of these dairy-centric programs and fostering a positive reputation for dairy products.