The Dairy Alliance, Virginia State Dairymen's Association, and Farm Credit of the Virginias have announced expanded funding for milk dispenser grants in Virginia schools, with combined resources totaling $155,000 supporting new awards scheduled for early 2026. This initiative represents a significant investment in school nutrition infrastructure that addresses both student health concerns and environmental sustainability goals.
The funding package includes a $115,000 grant from the Van der Lely Foundation, a $30,000 contribution from the Virginia State Dairymen's Association supporting K-12 school districts statewide, and a $10,000 sponsorship from Farm Credit of the Virginias dedicated specifically to schools in Southwest Virginia. All resources will support the Milk Dispenser Grant Program, which covers equipment and kits that help schools transition away from single-use milk cartons.
This expansion matters because nearly three-quarters of children ages two through eighteen fall short of recommended daily dairy intake, creating nutritional gaps that can affect development and long-term health. The program addresses this by making real dairy milk more accessible through modern serving methods that appeal to students. At one early-adopting Virginia school, milk consumption climbed more than 50 percent after implementing dispenser technology, while milk packaging waste dropped nearly 90 percent.
"The Milk Dispenser Grant Program gives schools the tools and support they need to make real dairy milk more accessible for students," said Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance. "When schools remove barriers and modernize how they serve real dairy milk, students drink more of it and build healthier habits that last beyond the cafeteria." The organization's Youth Wellness team works closely with school nutrition directors to support implementation and promote the nutritional benefits of real dairy milk.
For Virginia's dairy industry, this initiative represents both market development and sustainability advancement. "Strong partnerships help schools deliver real dairy milk in a way that connects with students and supports local dairy farmers," said Eric Paulson, executive director of the Virginia State Dairymen's Association. "This combined investment allows more Virginia schools to participate in a proven program as they plan for the 2026 school year."
The environmental implications are substantial, as schools participating in milk dispenser programs consistently report an average milk movement increase of at least 14 percent while dramatically reducing single-use packaging. With this funding expansion, the program will reach additional Virginia cities and counties beginning in early 2026, with ongoing data collection tracking environmental impact, milk usage, and student engagement throughout the grant period.
For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com. Information about the Van der Lely Foundation is available at https://vanderlelyfoundation.com.
