The Dairy Alliance Provides Nutritional Support at Georgia High School Football Championships

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is providing nutritional support to participants at the 2025 GHSA Tommy Guillebeau Football State Championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Throughout the event from December 15 to 17, the organization is distributing real dairy milk from Mayfield Dairy alongside branded giveaways to student-athletes and fans.

This initiative carries significant importance for youth athletics and nutritional education. By providing direct access to dairy products during high-stakes competition, The Dairy Alliance addresses the critical need for proper athlete fueling at the high school level. The organization's presence at one of Georgia's premier sporting events demonstrates a commitment to supporting young athletes' physical development and performance through science-backed nutrition.

"Real dairy milk provides complete high-quality protein for muscle recovery, carbohydrates for energy replenishment, and natural electrolytes that support hydration, helping these Georgia athletes perform and recover at every stage of the game," said Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at The Dairy Alliance. This statement underscores the practical benefits that extend beyond the championship weekend, potentially influencing athletes' long-term nutritional habits.

The initiative operates under the Milk's Got Game® campaign, which positions dairy milk as accessible athletic fuel. "Milk, whether plain or flavored, is an affordable, easily accessible, and delicious, naturally nutrient-rich beverage to help fuel athletes for performance and recovery," explained Laura Buxenbaum, Registered Dietitian and Vice President of Health & Wellness at The Dairy Alliance. This educational component represents a broader effort to shift perceptions about dairy's role in sports nutrition.

The partnership between The Dairy Alliance and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) reflects growing recognition of nutrition's importance in scholastic athletics. "Their dedication to nutrition, education, and community outreach aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen healthy, competitive, and well-rounded athletic programs," said Jorge Cimadevilla, GHSA Partnerships General Manager. This collaboration may establish a model for similar partnerships across other states and sports.

Beyond the football championships, The Dairy Alliance supports active communities throughout the Southeast through various initiatives. The organization partners with high school and collegiate athletes to promote dairy's performance benefits and engages fans through sponsorships of events like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, Rock 'n' Roll Nashville, and the Cooper City Bridge Run. These efforts collectively work to integrate dairy nutrition into regional sports culture.

The implications of this nutritional support extend to public health considerations regarding youth athletics. By providing a readily available source of protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes during demanding physical activity, The Dairy Alliance addresses hydration and recovery needs that are often overlooked in high school sports programs. This intervention could influence how schools approach athlete nutrition beyond simply providing water during competitions.

For more information about The Dairy Alliance and its initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.