Why Milk?
Real kids, real milk, real nutrition.
We are in uncommon times and navigating a new normal. While we try to manage so much uncertainty right now, high-quality nutrition can feel lower on the list of priorities. Yet, fueling healthy minds and healthy bodies with proper nutrition is a critical component for classroom learning.
Eating a variety of foods from all five food groups is the foundation for healthy eating patterns: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein and dairy. This includes milk, a longstanding staple in most grocery baskets. But you may be wondering, why milk? It comes down to the fundamentals of good nutrition.
So, Why Milk?
“Can’t my family get bone-building nutrients found in milk, like calcium and vitamin D, from other sources?”
Yes! But this is where the confusion comes in, so let’s stick to the facts:
FACT: Milk naturally provides many ESSENTIAL nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, protein and B vitamins.
FACT: The calcium in milk is easily absorbed and used by the body. Some plant foods contain oxalate or phytate (substances that can inhibit the body’s absorption of calcium).
FACT: It takes a substantial amount of other calcium-providing foods to match the amount of calcium and 8 other essential nutrients in one glass of milk (8 oz).
More Facts About Milk
FACT: Milk is a simple food containing only three ingredients (milk, vitamin A, and vitamin D) and no antibiotics or added hormones.
FACT: Milk and other dairy foods are NOT linked to chronic inflammation.
FACT: Milk’s carbon footprint is 63% smaller than in 1944.
Healthy School Meals
Schools are offering well-balanced, healthy meals to help fuel students while they continue learning in an evolving environment. These meals are not only nutritionally balanced but also offer a sense of normalcy for students in these uncertain times. When kids don’t drink milk with their meals, it is almost impossible to get enough important nutrients essential daily for growth. Milk’s essential nutrients are critical for kids and teens.
