The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has partnered with Kingsport City School District in Sullivan County, Tennessee, to introduce the first portable milk dispenser system in the nation. The Udderly Cold Portable Milk Dispenser, designed specifically for K–12 schools, represents a significant innovation in how students access and consume milk during school meals.
The portable system maintains milk at a consistent 35 degrees Fahrenheit, which enhances flavor and encourages higher consumption among students. The compact yet powerful dispenser holds up to 25 gallons of bulk milk bags, with the capability to connect multiple bags for triple capacity. This design allows the system to dispense up to 400 perfectly portioned 8-ounce servings before requiring product rotation, significantly reducing waste compared to traditional single-serving containers.
Funding for the dispenser came through an Endowment Grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. During the ribbon cutting ceremony at John Sevier Middle School, local leaders emphasized the dual benefits for students and dairy farmers. Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, a 10th-generation dairy farmer, stated that milk dispensers keep milk fresh and high-quality while reducing waste and helping schools serve the best possible milk to students daily.
Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, highlighted the program's importance in supporting student health and sustainable nutrition. The innovative delivery system helps schools incorporate nutritious dairy into daily meals and encourages students to build lifelong healthy habits. The partnership between schools, local leaders, and dairy farmers demonstrates how collaborative efforts can spark meaningful change in student wellness.
Jennifer Walker, Registered Dietitian and Kingsport City School Nutrition Director, emphasized the critical nutritional role of milk, particularly for teenage girls during peak bone development years. Milk serves as the number one source of calcium in the diets of children and teens, making increased access and consumption essential for proper growth and development. The new dispensers are strategically placed in schools to encourage all students to enjoy milk with their reimbursable meals.
Dr. R. Andrew True, Assistant Superintendent of Administration for Kingsport City Schools, expressed gratitude to The Dairy Alliance and Udderly Cold for bringing the innovative milk delivery system to the district. The technology directly impacts student health and wellbeing in positive and meaningful ways. The success of the program has already expanded to Hardin County Schools in Savannah, Tennessee, where Northside Elementary School has implemented a similar Udderly Cold milk dispenser.
This statewide implementation maximizes access to and consumption of milk for students across Tennessee. By bringing real dairy milk directly to students through advanced dispensing technology, The Dairy Alliance enhances access to healthy beverages, encourages balanced nutrition, and supports overall wellness. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
