Fighting for dairy is important. It’s also easy to do, from wherever you are. Sending an email, making a call, using social media, and sharing your story are just a few direct and effective ways you can engage with elected officials and key federal policymakers whose decisions shape our industry’s future. Sign up to receive Advocacy Alerts to stay informed on how you can influence federal policies crucial to U.S. dairy farmers and their cooperatives.
Good nutrition is a cornerstone of childhood health and development, and milk plays an unparalleled role in providing the nutrients kids need to grow and thrive. Milk is the number one source of protein for children 2-11. It’s also the top source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for kids ages 2-18. And milk provides 13 essential nutrients, regardless of whether it’s skim, low-fat, reduced-fat or whole.
But most kids and adolescents don’t meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans daily dairy intake recommendations. Children drink less milk — and throw more of it away — when they don’t have the same choices in school that they have at home. Whole milk is the most consumed variety in America, followed by 2%, yet neither is allowed in federal school meal programs. A recent survey of American parents shows that 43% and 35% — nearly 8 in 10 total — believe that whole milk and 2% milk, respectively, are the healthiest options for their children.
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