Dairy’s Important Role in Nourishing the World

Last month, celebrations took place across the nation to recognize June Dairy Month, an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions the dairy industry provides to the world.?

In moments like these, I’m reminded of the important role real dairy plays in providing high-quality nutrition to a growing global population.

Dairy’s positive impact and potential should not be taken for granted. Not only does dairy help feed the world, but it does so in a sustainable, environmentally conscious, safe and affordable way.?

The efficient and sustainable production and distribution of dairy, in all its forms, functions and flavors, helps meet the nutritional needs of communities around the world. Dairy’s nutrition enriches people in every stage of life, from helping infants grow with formula to maintaining healthy bones throughout adulthood.??

?When you consume dairy products, your body is getting the calcium, protein, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A, B and D it needs, which benefit your bone strength, blood pressure, digestion and more.

The total nutritional package of what dairy offers, and the rapidly emerging evidence of even broader health and wellness benefits, can’t be matched or imitated— it’s truly one of a kind.?

With its unmatched nutritional profile, dairy is critical to supporting initiatives of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Nutrition is foundational to freedom and security.

Hunger affects nearly 800 million people globally, and I know dairy will increasingly serve as an even greater part of the solution to provide nutrition to and support the health of people all over the world.?

In a world with so much food insecurity, the dairy industry as a whole and DFA farmer-owners are doing their part to answer the call.

Dairy is often the most requested yet least donated item to community food pantries across the country, and we are supplying food pantries and community organizations with dairy and helping provide refrigeration to safely store those products.?

It is also one of the reasons I believe in advocating for access to dairy across the globe, including school districts across the United States. Our children need the essential nutrients milk and other dairy products provide.??

Recently, U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) proposed removing flavored milk in schools because of a myopic focus on added sugars rather than a holistic perspective of encouraging the beneficial consumption of nutrient-dense dairy.

To reduce the investment in school lunch programs, some school districts are even preemptively removing flavored milk as a choice for students.

The industry has responded with a pledge to have no more than 10 grams of added sugar in flavored school milk — many, including DFA’s family of brands, already meet and even exceed this standard, and our teams continue to work on formulas that improve flavored milks in schools.??

Because of student preference and choice, more than 70% of elementary school milk is flavored (chocolate or strawberry), making this a critical issue.

We’re doing all we can to ensure our children continue to have choice and access and are motivated to consume the nutrient-dense dairy they need to grow and thrive during these significant years.

Perhaps the most effective way to support the health of our families is to offer flavored whole milk, which is naturally 97% fat-free, has the greatest taste and flavor profile and delivers the greatest nutritional, health and wellness benefits.?

?When you stock your refrigerator with wholesome, delicious dairy, you can feel good knowing that you’re not only providing nourishment to your family but also supporting local family dairy farmers helping nourish the world in a responsible, ethical and sustainable way.??