Georgia Schools Get $200K for Bulk Milk Dispensers to Boost Nutrition

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has partnered with Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. (Georgia Milk) in an innovative initiative to transform school milk service across Georgia. Supported by a substantial $200,000 commitment from Georgia Milk, this collaboration aims to install approximately 30 bulk milk dispensers in school cafeterias statewide. The program addresses both nutritional and environmental concerns by providing real dairy milk in cups rather than traditional single-use cartons, significantly reducing packaging waste while enhancing the overall milk experience for students. This strategic partnership between two dairy-focused organizations represents a meaningful investment in childhood nutrition and sustainability efforts within Georgia's educational system.

Dairy farmers are demonstrating their unwavering commitment to nourishing children through this initiative. Matt Johnson, President of Georgia Milk's Board of Directors and a dairy farmer from Climax, Georgia, emphasized that "school feeding programs are critical to ensuring our children are building strong bones and healthy immune systems." The Dairy Alliance's Youth Wellness staff works closely with school nutrition directors to promote the benefits of milk and dairy foods, with the $200,000 funding removing financial barriers for schools by covering the cost of bulk milk dispensers and necessary maintenance equipment. Will McWhirter, Youth Wellness Manager for Georgia, noted that while traditional milk cartons have served students well for decades, bulk milk dispensers offer a superior school meal experience by providing delicious milk in cups and supporting sustainability goals.

The impact of this transition to bulk dispensers is supported by compelling data. Research from a milk dispenser pilot in Tennessee revealed that combined average milk consumption rose 29% while waste declined 14 points when milk is served from dispensers. Schools across the Southeast receiving milk dispenser grants have consistently reported an average increase of at least 14% in milk consumption. This is particularly significant given that roughly three-quarters of children aged two through eighteen do not consume the daily recommended amount of real dairy. The nutritional benefits are substantial - real dairy milk delivers 13 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and high-quality protein that fuel energy, support learning, and are critical for growth and development. School nutrition directors interested in installing bulk milk dispensers can contact The Dairy Alliance for more information about the grant program at wmcwhirter@thedairyalliance.com or visit https://thedairyalliance.com to learn more about their comprehensive dairy promotion efforts across eight Southeastern states.