Dairy Council of CA is thoughtfully sunsetting the Let’s Eat Healthy Initiative. The values, priorities and contributions that shaped Let’s Eat Healthy remain central to Dairy Council of CA’s work and partnerships: advancing nutrition security and equitable access to milk and dairy foods, educating on dairy’s role in sustainable food systems, and supporting access to evidence-based nutrition education resources.
The transition will not impact access to Dairy Council of CA services and resources. Partners will continue to have access to trusted science-based resources and publications, professional learning opportunities, campaign activations and much more as the organization continues to build on the collective impact created to support healthier children, families and communities across California.
To read more about the transition, check out the full post.
Do you have Spanish-speaking students or students learning Spanish who would enjoy a virtual field trip to a dairy farm? Attend Dairy Council of CA’s Mobile Dairy Classroom virtual assembly in Spanish on April 24, 2026, at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. This popular assembly reviews how milk and dairy foods are produced and how they contribute to healthy eating. Register here.
With the recent passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, districts now have the option to serve a wider range of milk during school lunch, including reduced-fat (2%) and whole milk (3.25%) to support student nutrition, cultural preference and individual choice. Across fat levels, milk provides 13 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, to support optimal growth and development in children and teens.
To help determine which options your students prefer, explore the Milk Masterclass Tasting Activity in our Let’s Eat Healthy Together Explore Dairy educational unit. In this activity, your students will use their senses and discern differences in texture, flavor and appearance across different types of milk while learning how each has unique benefits and uses.
Discover more here.
It’s officially spring, and berries are in season! Encourage your students to add berries to their yogurt for a nutrient-rich and flavorful snack which can help support gut health. For more food pairings to share with students, check out the following:
The California Dairy Sustainability Summit brought together leaders from agriculture, science and policy to explore the future of dairy and its role in supporting healthy communities. Conversations highlighted how connected the food system is, from water and farming to nutrition and the meals served in schools.
During the summit, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross highlighted the importance of programs like Dairy Council of CA’s Mobile Dairy Classroom, which helps students connect with where their food comes from. At the pre-summit reception, participants experienced the Mobile Dairy Classroom firsthand and saw how its lessons come to life for students.
Interested in the latest nutrition trends? Check out the Cheese Market News editorial, “Whole Foods, Protein and Healthy Fat Come Into Favor,” by Dairy Council of CA CEO Amy DeLisio. The article dives into trending topics, including evolving perspectives on dietary fats, the dairy matrix, growing protein demand, discussions around ultra-processed foods and the role of dairy in a healthy eating pattern. Find out more here.
School Lunch Hero Day on May 1, 2026, celebrates dedicated school nutrition professionals who nourish students’ ability to learn, grow and thrive. The care, passion and commitment help create welcoming spaces where every child is nourished, feels supported and is ready to succeed. Thank you for the essential role you play each day in strengthening student health. Dairy Council of CA is deeply grateful for all that you do!
School Lunch Hero Day began in 2013 when the School Nutrition Association partnered with Lunch Lady series author Jarrett J. Krosoczka to recognize the everyday heroes behind school meals.
Each June, National Dairy Month celebrates dairy farm families and the broader dairy community for providing nutrient-dense foods that support children’s growth and development. This year, we’re looking beyond celebration—highlighting how milk and dairy foods connect to student wellness, community access and science-based nutrition, with real-world impact in schools and communities. Stay tuned in May for a ready-to-use toolkit and resources to help you engage all month long.
Missed the latest webinars? Watch the recordings below:
Have questions, ideas or want to collaborate?
Contact Maria Frye, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Community & School Engagement Project Manager, at mfrye@dairycouncilofca.org.
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