School Food Service
Dairy’s Role in Child Nutrition Programs
National Dairy Council recently released a white paper that provides a summary of the child nutrition environment and the latest research and insights on dairy's role in child nutrition, including government-funded programs.
Cheese, Please!
Lowfat and reduced-fat cheeses are nutritious sources of calcium and high quality protein. Furthermore, they make other foods more appealing to children. Learn why cheese is important in child nutrition programs.
Lactose-Free Milk
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, numerous health organizations and the latest science support the role of lactose-free milk in child nutrition programs. Learn why offering lactose-free milk as part of your program benefits children with lactose intolerance.
More Students Drinking Lowfat, Fat-Free Milk
A report by ENVIRON found that schools have been very successful at switching to lowfat and fat-free milk. The report is based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture School Nutrition Dietary Assessment I and III.
As of 2005, about three-quarters of all students chose lowfat (1%) or fat-free milk compared to the early 90's when the same number of students chose whole or reduced-fat (2%) milk. Read more about the report.
Child Nutrition: A Focus on Dairy Foods
This issue of Dairy Council Digest provides a comprehensive review on the important roles that nutrient-rich dairy foods play in children's diets, bone development and overall health.
This Digest also highlights the value of nutrition programs in helping children consume the recommended three servings of dairy for children aged 9 and older
The New Priority: Nutritional Quality
A recent report released by Action for Healthy Kids stresses the importance of improving the nutritional quality of school programs. Improving school wellness goes beyond limiting nutrient-poor foods; it is about shifting the emphasis onto more nutritious options. Schools must provide healthier foods that appeal to children and teens, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products.
The Action for Healthy Kids report stresses the need to make nutritional quality a priority. To do so, schools should:
- Encourage students to make better food choices at school by providing healthful foods that are tasty and appealing in all school venues.
- Involve students in developing approaches for improving nutritional quality in their school.
- Use social marketing strategies to promote food groups to encourage – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products.
- Encourage participation in school meal programs.
- Engage parents, communities, students, and schools in activities and events focusing on wellness at home and school.
MyPyramid Fact Sheets
Are you looking for easy ways to integrate the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans into your school meals? ...more