Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 10, 2025

Dairy Alliance Expands School Nutrition Programs to 375K Students

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Original Source

TLDR

  • The Dairy Alliance grants provide schools with competitive advantages by enhancing milk consumption through innovative programs that improve student nutrition and academic performance.
  • The Dairy Alliance awarded 124 DO grants for milk dispensers and smoothie programs, plus 191 Fuel Up and GENYOUth grants, benefiting 375,000 students across eight southeastern states.
  • These dairy nutrition programs create lasting change by providing students with essential nutrients for growth while supporting healthier communities across the Southeast.
  • Milk delivers 13 essential nutrients including calcium and protein through fun programs like smoothies and Moo Brew that engage students in healthy habits.

Impact - Why it Matters

This initiative addresses critical childhood nutrition needs at a time when many students lack access to adequate nutrition. Proper nutrition directly impacts cognitive development, academic performance, and long-term health outcomes. With childhood obesity rates remaining concerning and many children not meeting daily nutritional requirements, programs that make healthy options like dairy more accessible and appealing can have lasting positive effects. The partnership between dairy farmers, schools, and health professionals creates a sustainable model that supports both student wellness and local agricultural communities, potentially serving as a blueprint for other regions facing similar nutritional challenges.

Summary

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has significantly expanded its youth wellness programs across eight states, benefiting nearly 375,000 students through various grant initiatives. The organization awarded 124 Dairy Optimization grants in spring 2025, funding innovative programs like Moo Brew, smoothies, and milk dispensers to enhance the school milk experience for over 80,000 students. These efforts are designed to make dairy consumption more engaging and accessible while providing essential nutrition to support student development.

Led by health and wellness experts including Laura Buxenbaum, VP Health and Wellness at The Dairy Alliance, the programs combine dairy nutrition education with practical implementation support. The organization distributed 191 Fuel Up and GENYOUth grants in May and June 2025, providing smoothie kits and mobile meal kits to benefit over 128,000 students in the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, 258 GENYOUth NFL Flag-In-School Football kits were distributed, engaging more than 166,000 students in physical activities alongside nutritional education.

The comprehensive approach includes training school nutrition staff, conducting student taste tests, recipe sharing, and providing dairy-specific resources for schools and families. Milk's 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, are highlighted as crucial for building strong bones and supporting overall health. The Dairy Alliance's multi-faceted strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to creating lasting change in student health outcomes across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Source Statement

This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Dairy Alliance Expands School Nutrition Programs to 375K Students

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