Dairy Alliance Expands Youth Wellness Programs to Benefit 375,000 Students Across Southeast

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has significantly expanded its youth wellness programs across eight states, awarding grants that will benefit nearly 375,000 students during the 2025-2026 school year. The organization's initiatives focus on increasing dairy milk consumption through innovative serving methods and nutrition education, representing a major investment in child health across the region.

According to Laura Buxenbaum, VP Health and Wellness at The Dairy Alliance, "Dairy nutrition education in schools plays a vital role in shaping healthy habits early. These grants give schools the resources to serve milk in fresh and engaging ways, whether through smoothies, milk dispensers, or other fun programs, while providing students with the energy and nutrition they need to learn, grow, and excel." The comprehensive approach combines equipment funding with professional training for school nutrition staff and direct student education about the benefits of dairy consumption.

The grant distribution included 124 Dairy Optimization grants awarded in spring 2025, funding programs such as Moo Brew, Smoothies, and Milk Dispensers to enhance the school milk experience for more than 80,000 students. Later in May and June, 191 Fuel Up and GENYOUth grants provided Smoothie Kits and Mobile Meal Kits to benefit over 128,000 additional students. An additional 258 GENYOUth NFL Flag-In-School Football kits were distributed, engaging more than 166,000 students in physical activities alongside nutrition education.

Milk provides 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which are crucial for developing strong bones and bodies. The Dairy Alliance Youth Wellness team delivers dairy nutrition education and implements additional activities including student taste tests, recipe sharing, and providing dairy-specific resources for schools and families. For more information about their programs, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.

The organization's efforts represent a significant investment in child nutrition across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. By combining dairy industry expertise with school commitments to student health, these programs aim to create lasting change that supports both children and communities throughout the Southeast region through improved nutrition education and access to essential dairy nutrients.