As students across California head back to school this month, Dairy Council of California has been hard at work supporting agricultural literacy, connecting partners and educators with nutrition education tools, sharing new research, and preparing for our upcoming World School Milk Day celebration.
Last month, at the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., Ashley Rosales and I shared new research focused on nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. Our posters examined how culturally responsive dairy voucher programs can support access to nutrient-rich foods and explored factors influencing WIC participation among young children.
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Together, these efforts advance our understanding of how to better support healthy growth, development, and eating patterns that include milk and dairy foods from the earliest stages of life.
In this edition, you’ll find more highlights from our summer activities, updates on emerging nutrition and regulatory issues, and a link to a newly published Dairy Council of California research study.
Dairy Council of California had a meaningful presence at the California State Fair this July through three unique activations that highlighted nutrition education, dairy literacy, and agricultural engagement.
From a hands-on student culinary competition featuring California dairy foods to our participation in the Ag Day Showcase, Dairy Council of California connected with fairgoers in multiple ways. Visitors also had the opportunity to engage with dairy farmer Anthony Agueda during our Ask a Farmer exhibit, while our dairy literacy banners helped educate fairgoers about the people, practices, and nutrition that make up the California dairy community. We’re grateful to Dairy Council of California Board Member Mike Newell for serving as a judge during the culinary competition and helping encourage the next generation of culinary talent. Here’s a short video of the culinary competition.
Fueling the Future: Nutrition, Sustainability & Student Success brought together leaders from agriculture, education, policy, and school nutrition to highlight the vital role California’s dairy farmers and beef ranchers play in supporting student health and success. The event emphasized how partnerships help ensure students have access to nutritious school meals, including dairy and lean beef, while advancing food security, sustainability, and agricultural education
Thank you to our partners California Cattle Council and California Beef Council, as well as the producers, school nutrition professionals, and community partners whose ongoing collaboration helps nourish the next generation and strengthen California communities.
In honor of World School Milk Day on Wednesday, September 30, Dairy Council of California is partnering with Got Milk to celebrate the Unsung Heroes in California schools who help ensure students have access to nutritious school meals. From delivery drivers and food service professionals to custodial staff and other support personnel, these individuals play an important role in a school’s nutrition program. Celebrate the Unsung Heroes in your community and give them the recognition they deserve by submitting a nomination. View campaign details here.
The new statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) this June highlights the important role pediatricians play in supporting healthy school environments. The statement specifically recognizes dairy as an under-consumed food group, highlights milk and yogurt as nutrient-rich choices in school meals, and reviews evidence on flavored milk and full-fat dairy.
Explore the AAP policy statement.
I am proud to share that Dairy Council of California’s latest article, “Reimagining School Meals From a Systems Thinking Perspective: A Case Study of School Meal Supply Chain Collaboration in California,” was accepted and published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics as part of the special issue, Advancing Systems-based Dietetic Practice. The study explores how systems thinking can help reimagine school meals through stronger collaboration across the food supply chain, creating opportunities for dairy and reinforcing Dairy Council of California’s commitment to advancing science-based nutrition and strengthening local food systems. Congratulations to my colleagues and fellow authors Shannan Young and Alyssa McClelland, and thank you to the many school nutrition, dairy, and food system partners who contributed to this work.
Regenerative Agriculture Moves Further Into the Mainstream.
A recent article highlighted in the NMPF listserv and published by the Los Angeles Times points to the growing influence of regenerative agriculture across mainstream food products, from dairy to snacks. The article notes that major food brands are increasingly using regenerative sourcing and related sustainability messaging to differentiate products and appeal to consumers seeking environmentally responsible options. For the dairy community, this trend represents an important intersection of sustainability, consumer expectations, and market positioning. As regenerative agriculture continues to move from niche strategy to broader marketplace expectation, Dairy Council of California will continue monitoring how these narratives shape sourcing, branding, and education opportunities for dairy as part of broader environmental solutions. Read the article to learn more.
If you have questions, concerns or feedback you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Amy DeLisio, CEO
Dairy Council of California
adelisio@DairyCouncilofCA.org