The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has partnered with Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. to provide real dairy milk to students across Georgia through an innovative approach. The $200,000 commitment from Georgia Milk will fund approximately 30 bulk milk dispensers in school cafeterias statewide, enhancing the milk experience while reducing waste from single-use cartons. Matt Johnson, President of Georgia Milk's Board of Directors and a dairy farmer from Climax, Georgia, emphasized the importance of school feeding programs for children's health. School feeding programs are critical to ensuring our children are building strong bones and healthy immune systems, Johnson said. Our dairy farmers are investing in these programs to cultivate healthier school environments and get students excited about drinking milk.
The funding removes a major barrier for schools by covering the cost of bulk milk dispensers and necessary maintenance equipment. Will McWhirter, Youth Wellness Manager for Georgia, explained that The Dairy Alliance's Dairy Optimization grants encourage schools to explore new ways to deliver nutritious dairy products to students. While traditional milk cartons have served students well for decades, bulk milk dispensers offer a better school meal experience by providing delicious milk in a cup, reducing packaging waste, and supporting sustainability goals. Nutritional concerns drive this initiative, as roughly three-quarters of children aged two through eighteen do not consume the daily recommended amount of real dairy.
Data from a milk dispenser pilot in Tennessee showed promising results, with combined average milk consumption rising 29% and combined waste declining 14 points when milk is served from dispensers. Schools receiving milk dispenser grants across the Southeast have consistently reported an average increase of at least 14% in milk movement. Real dairy milk delivers 13 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, potassium plus high-quality protein. These nutrients fuel energy, support learning throughout the day and are critical for growth and development. The Dairy Alliance's Youth Wellness staff works closely with school nutrition directors to promote the benefits of milk and dairy foods. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com while information about Georgia Milk and the Georgia dairy industry is available at http://www.gamilk.org.
