The Dairy Alliance Expands School Milk Programs Across Southeast with Nutrition-Focused Grants

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has significantly expanded its youth wellness programs in schools across the region, awarding grants that will benefit nearly 375,000 students. These initiatives focus on increasing dairy milk consumption through fresh and engaging approaches, addressing nutritional needs while supporting student health and academic performance.

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. The grants provide schools with resources to serve milk in innovative ways, including smoothies, milk dispensers, and other programs that make dairy consumption more appealing to students. This approach combines the organization's expertise with the dedication of local dairy farmers and schools' commitment to student health, creating lasting change that supports both children and communities throughout the Southeast.

The organization awarded 124 Dairy Optimization (DO) grants 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, an additional 191 Fuel Up and GENYOUth grants provided Smoothie Kits and Mobile Meal Kits that will benefit over 128,000 students during the 2025–2026 school year. The program also distributed 258 GENYOUth NFL Flag-In-School Football kits, engaging more than 166,000 students in physical activities alongside nutrition education.

The Dairy Alliance Youth Wellness team provides comprehensive training to school nutrition staff on using grant-funded equipment and implementing programs effectively. The team delivers dairy nutrition education to help students understand the benefits of milk and dairy foods, particularly for building strong bones and bodies. Milk delivers 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which are crucial for growing children. Additional program components include student taste tests, recipe sharing, and providing dairy-specific resources for schools and families to reinforce healthy eating habits beyond the school environment.

For more information about these initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.