Press Releases
06/11/2021
Celebrating June Dairy Month
Connecticut Dairy Farmers Support School Feeding Programs
June is National Dairy Month and Connecticut’s dairy farmers through the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board have awarded $7,752 Dairy on the Go grants to Connecticut schools. This round of funding is helping schools upgrade equipment to offer new and unique foods that include nutritious milk and other dairy items on the menus. These grants aid school nutrition staff in overcoming the challenges they face to feed students.
Historically, over 280,000 Connecticut students relied on school meals for a portion of their daily nutrition. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed children’s food insecurity to its highest levels in decades. But school nutrition staffers are fighting back.
Six schools from the Stamford School District were awarded grants ranging from $600 to $2,000 each. Most schools choose to begin offering smoothies made with milk, yogurt, fruit, and sometimes greens, as smoothies are a great portable menu option that can be eaten in the cafeteria, classroom, or on the go.
At Stonington High School, the Dairy on the Go grant is being used to purchase blenders and promote dairy nutrition by serving daily breakfast smoothies. Becky Fowler, Director of Food Services, explained, “Dairy allows us to provide nine essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and lean protein to our student body on a daily basis. These nutrients fuel the growing bodies and minds of our students, increase menu options for our vegetarian population, and allows us to support our local dairy farmers.”
Connecticut Schools Awarded ‘Dairy on the Go’ Grants:
- Stonington High School, Stonington, CT - $2,125
- Stonington Middle School, Stonington, CT - $1,565
- Dolan Middle School, Stamford, CT - $669
- Stamford High School, Stamford, CT - $1,468
- Turn of the River Middle School, Stamford, CT - $676
- Rogers International School, Stamford, CT - $1,249
Connecticut dairy farms have been supporting local schools for decades. Dairy farms are the heartbeat of many communities, creating jobs, investing in the local economy, and supporting childhood health and education. Milk and other dairy foods can play an important role in overall health and wellness. Eating three daily servings of dairy foods like milk, cheese, or yogurt can help close key nutrient gaps and contribute to nutrient-rich, healthy eating patterns. Milk provides a unique package of nine essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D – a nutritional powerhouse for families and students.
Learn more about Connecticut’s dairy farm families and where to find fresh, local, delicious milk and dairy products at www.CTDairy.org.