February offers meaningful opportunities for schools to connect nutrition, health and learning in ways that truly resonate with students. From heart-healthy habits and dental wellness to hands-on nutrition education, dairy continues to play a valuable role in supporting student growth and overall well-being. This edition highlights inspiring partnerships and practical tools that support student wellness and success—both in and out of the classroom.
As schools spotlight heart‑healthy habits this month, it’s a great time to explore how everyday food choices can support students’ long‑term well‑being. Research shows that dairy foods, including whole‑fat options such as whole milk, yogurt and cheese, may have protective or neutral effects on cardiometabolic health when included as part of balanced dietary patterns. Read more here.
This month also offers a great opportunity for schools to reinforce healthy habits that support strong teeth. According to Dr. Thakkar, Clinical Dental Director at Camarena Health:
"Dietary patterns directly influence caries risk, enamel integrity and periodontal health. Evidence-based nutrition education, especially around encouraging dairy and water, while limiting sugar-sweetened beverage choices is a powerful preventive tool."
To teach your students about the benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of a healthy eating pattern, share Dairy Council of CA’s Let's Eat Healthy Explore Dairy, which includes lessons of videos, taste tests, extension activities and more.
Pasture Raised Kids, a nonprofit organization and recipient of Dairy Council of CA’s Let’s Eat Healthy Community Grant, brought nutrition education to life for children ages 4–12 through engaging, hands‑on learning experiences focused on dairy nutrition and sustainable farming.
More than 225 community members participated in a community event featuring an interactive dairy barn experience, local cheese tastings with flavor reflection, butter‑making activities and a “local foods” map‑and‑match game highlighting area farmers—including Hale Dairy—through farmer profiles and videos.
Lodi Unified School District expanded hands‑on nutrition education through the California Department of Food and Agriculture Incubator Grant, implementing engaging taste‑and‑teach activities alongside Dairy Council of CA’s Let's Eat Healthy Explore Dairy nutrition education program. The district also welcomed the Mobile Dairy Classroom, giving students a memorable, interactive opportunity to learn where dairy foods come from and how they support healthy growth.
Read Across America Day (March 2) is a wonderful chance to spark students’ excitement for reading while also reinforcing healthy habits—the timing is perfect for also celebrating National Nutrition Month in March.
The Market Mystery storybook is an engaging story where students join Sonia and Leo on a food adventure. Together, they uncover why grocery store shelves are empty and help save their local market!
Students learn:
Storybook features:
Order your copy here.
National School Breakfast Week, celebrated the first week of March, highlights the important role a nutritious school breakfast plays in supporting student learning and focus.
To bring this week to life:
Dairy Council of CA is proud to be featured across the latest issue of Poppy Seeds magazine, celebrating impactful partnerships that bring farm-to-school to life, connect educators with California agriculture and elevate student wellness statewide. From hands-on sustainability messaging and dairy farm tours to conference leadership and innovative wellness policy practices, these stories highlight the powerful collaboration and innovation shaping the future of school nutrition. Explore the latest edition here.
1.) 2026 Food & Nutrition Trends: What’s Shaping Health Today
Date/Time: March 18, 2026, 12–1 p.m. PDT
Explore the 2026 Food & Nutrition Trends shaping education, health systems and communities. Designed for health educators, professionals and those interested in the latest nutrition insights, this webinar provides a big picture view of the four key trends, their impact on practice and how to apply these insights to strengthen partnerships and priorities. This webinar offers 1 CPEU, pending CDR approval.
Register here.
2.) Coming Soon: What’s New in School Nutrition: Understanding Updated Meal and Beverage Options
This upcoming webinar will explore the evolving national guidance shaping school meals and beverage options.
Let's Work TogetherHave questions, ideas or want to collaborate?
Contact Maria Frye, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Community & School Engagement Project Manager, at mfrye@dairycouncilofca.org.