Dairy Alliance Partners with NC State to Highlight Performance Benefits of Real Dairy Milk at Annual Moonlight Howl and Run

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has partnered with North Carolina State University to spotlight the performance benefits of real dairy milk at the 10th annual Moonlight Howl and Run. This signature Wolfpack Welcome Week tradition draws thousands of students for an evening of high-energy activity, with this year's celebration positioning dairy milk as the ultimate fuel for student performance and recovery.

Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Vice President of Strategic Marketing for The Dairy Alliance, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating that the event provides an ideal platform to connect with students in a fun, energetic setting while demonstrating how real dairy supports an active lifestyle. The organization will be distributing real dairy milk to students as they cross the finish line, highlighting milk's ability to help participants recover, rehydrate, and recharge with its high-quality protein and natural electrolytes.

The recovery benefits stem from dairy milk's unique nutritional profile, which includes both muscle-repairing protein and electrolyte replenishment capabilities that are particularly valuable after intense physical activity. Laura Buxenbaum, Vice President of Health and Wellness for The Dairy Alliance, explained that real dairy milk delivers the optimal balance of carbohydrates and protein for muscle recovery, making it a scientifically-supported choice for students pushing their physical limits during the event.

Participants checking in at Talley Student Union will receive free T-shirts and glow accessories, while The Dairy Alliance team will distribute bracelets, straws, and performance-focused nutrition information. Following the run, NC State staff will be handing out the university's own Howling Cow chocolate milk, providing participants with a dairy-based refueling option that aligns with the partnership's educational messaging about dairy's performance benefits.

This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to reach thousands of students at a critical transition point in their academic careers, introducing them to the nutritional advantages of dairy consumption as they establish lifelong health and wellness habits. The event's timing during Wolfpack Welcome Week ensures maximum visibility and impact among the student population. For more information about The Dairy Alliance's initiatives and nutritional research, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.