The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has significantly expanded its youth wellness programs across eight states, awarding grants that will benefit nearly 375,000 students during the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative represents a substantial investment in childhood nutrition education and access to dairy products in educational settings.
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. These grants provide schools with resources to serve milk in fresh and engaging ways, whether through smoothies, milk dispensers, or other fun programs, while providing students with the energy and nutrition they need to learn, grow, and excel.
The organization awarded 124 Dairy Optimization 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, 191 Fuel Up and GENYOUth grants provided Smoothie Kits and Mobile Meal Kits to benefit over 128,000 students. Additionally, 258 GENYOUth NFL Flag-In-School Football kits were distributed, engaging more than 166,000 students.
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 for building strong bones and bodies. Milk delivers 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, making it a critical component of student nutrition programs.
Additional program activities include student taste tests, recipe sharing, and providing dairy-specific resources for schools and families. The initiative spans Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, creating lasting change that supports both children and communities across the Southeast. For more information about these programs, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
