Georgia Partnership Expands School Milk Access Through Bulk Dispensers

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has partnered with Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. to transform how students access milk in school cafeterias across Georgia. The $200,000 commitment from Georgia Milk will fund approximately 30 bulk milk dispensers statewide, representing a significant investment in both student nutrition and environmental sustainability.

Matt Johnson, President of Georgia Milk's Board of Directors and a dairy farmer from Climax, Georgia, emphasized the critical role of school feeding programs in children's health development. School feeding programs are essential for building strong bones and healthy immune systems in children, Johnson stated. This initiative represents dairy farmers' commitment to creating healthier school environments while generating student enthusiasm for milk consumption.

The funding addresses a major financial barrier for schools by covering the complete 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 innovative methods for delivering nutritious dairy products to students. While traditional milk cartons have served students for decades, bulk milk dispensers provide a superior school meal experience by serving milk in cups, significantly reducing packaging waste and supporting sustainability objectives.

Nutritional concerns drive this partnership, as approximately three-quarters of children aged two through eighteen fail to consume the daily recommended amount of real dairy. Data from a milk dispenser pilot program in Tennessee demonstrated promising outcomes, with combined average milk consumption increasing by 29% and combined waste decreasing by 14 percentage points when milk was served from dispensers. Schools across the Southeast that have received milk dispenser grants consistently report average milk consumption increases of at least 14%.

Real dairy milk provides 13 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and high-quality protein. These nutrients support energy levels, enhance learning capabilities throughout the school day, and are crucial for proper growth and development. The Dairy Alliance's Youth Wellness staff collaborates closely with school nutrition directors to promote the benefits of milk and dairy foods. For additional information about The Dairy Alliance's initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com, while details about Georgia Milk and the Georgia dairy industry are available at http://www.gamilk.org.