White House Applauds Dairy Industry's Healthy School Milk Commitment
Source: The DairyNews
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) receives recognition during a White House event for its commitment to healthy school milk, aligning with the Biden-Harris administration's National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
The Healthy School Milk Commitment, spearheaded by the IDFA, represents a pledge from 37 school milk processors, covering about 95% of the school milk volume in the U.S. These processors commit to providing nutritious school milk options with no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8 fluid ounce serving.
IDFA's President and CEO, Michael Dykes, expressed pride in being acknowledged by the White House for the dairy industry's proactive measures in reducing added sugar in school milk. The commitment ensures that children, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to wholesome milk options with fewer added sugars and calories. School milk, a vital source of essential nutrients for children, plays a crucial role in their diet.
HP Hood, an iconic dairy company collaborating with IDFA, showcased their newly reformulated non-fat chocolate milk during the White House event. Hood, known for its partnership with local farm families, emphasized their commitment to quality, innovation, and nutrition, contributing to the Healthy School Milk Commitment.
More than two-thirds of milk consumed by children in schools is flavored, including chocolate and strawberry milk. The reductions in sugar and calories, achieved through the commitment, are instrumental in improving child nutrition. Surveys conducted by IDFA and Prime Consulting indicate a 55% decline in added sugars in flavored milk products between 2006 and 2023. Processors have voluntarily embraced the commitment, reformulating products to meet higher nutritional standards.
James "Cricket" Jacquier, co-owner of Laurelbrook Farm in East Canaan, Conn., and board chair of Agri-Mark dairy cooperative, commended the dairy industry's proactive efforts to reduce added sugars in school milk. The commitment not only meets nutritional standards but also aligns with students' preferences, providing them with more nutritious choices.
The Healthy School Milk Commitment signifies a collaborative effort within the dairy industry to contribute to the well-being of children and align with national health strategies, earning accolades from the White House.
IDFA's President and CEO, Michael Dykes, expressed pride in being acknowledged by the White House for the dairy industry's proactive measures in reducing added sugar in school milk. The commitment ensures that children, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to wholesome milk options with fewer added sugars and calories. School milk, a vital source of essential nutrients for children, plays a crucial role in their diet.
HP Hood, an iconic dairy company collaborating with IDFA, showcased their newly reformulated non-fat chocolate milk during the White House event. Hood, known for its partnership with local farm families, emphasized their commitment to quality, innovation, and nutrition, contributing to the Healthy School Milk Commitment.
More than two-thirds of milk consumed by children in schools is flavored, including chocolate and strawberry milk. The reductions in sugar and calories, achieved through the commitment, are instrumental in improving child nutrition. Surveys conducted by IDFA and Prime Consulting indicate a 55% decline in added sugars in flavored milk products between 2006 and 2023. Processors have voluntarily embraced the commitment, reformulating products to meet higher nutritional standards.
James "Cricket" Jacquier, co-owner of Laurelbrook Farm in East Canaan, Conn., and board chair of Agri-Mark dairy cooperative, commended the dairy industry's proactive efforts to reduce added sugars in school milk. The commitment not only meets nutritional standards but also aligns with students' preferences, providing them with more nutritious choices.
The Healthy School Milk Commitment signifies a collaborative effort within the dairy industry to contribute to the well-being of children and align with national health strategies, earning accolades from the White House.
