Dear Friend,
As June approaches, we’re reminded of a long-standing and beloved tradition—National Dairy Month, also
fondly known as June Is Dairy Month. What began nearly a century ago as a way to promote milk during peak production has grown into a global celebration of the ways dairy nourishes people, connects cultures and supports well-being at every stage of
life.
At Dairy Council of California, we celebrate the California dairy community’s ongoing commitment to providing sustainably produced, nutrient-dense foods that contribute to healthier people, the local economy and the planet. We’re proud to champion National Dairy Month through culturally inclusive educational tools, community events and partnerships that spotlight the value of dairy in daily life. This year’s theme, Dairy Around the World, invites Californians to explore the rich diversity of dairy—from creamy skyr in Iceland to tangy lassi in India. These foods not only taste good but also provide a combination of nutrients within unique physical structures, known as the dairy matrix, which can include protein, calcium, probiotics and more that support brain, gut, immune and bone health.
Throughout June, we’re excited to collaborate with key partners on Summer Meal Programs, engage with the California Milk Advisory Board on retail activations and connect with health professionals at the National Hispanic Medical Association’s annual conference in Anaheim. Visit the June Is Dairy Month web page to access the campaign toolkit featuring engaging activities that help communities celebrate and recognize the value of milk and dairy food cultural traditions from around the world. Get involved and share the powerful story of dairy with your colleagues and partners and through your communication channels this June.
There are a few regulatory updates that may impact the dairy community, with opportunities for you to share your point of view with decision-makers.
Make America Healthy Again Report Released
On May 22, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission published Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment. The report, issued in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order establishing the MAHA Commission, delivers an initial assessment of the childhood chronic disease crisis and lays the groundwork for a forthcoming strategy to inform presidential action. Overall, the report frames nutrition—alongside sedentary lifestyle, mental health issues related to technology use, exposure to environmental chemicals and overmedication—as a central driver of childhood chronic diseases. Within the area of nutrition, the report promotes increased consumption of whole foods, including dairy at all fat levels, and is critical of consumption of ultra-processed foods. The MAHA Commission strategy is expected by early August and will build on this report by outlining policy recommendations to address the childhood chronic disease crisis
California Department of Education Survey: Ultra-Processed Foods
The California Department of Education (CDE) is conducting a survey regarding Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order on ultra-processed foods. In January, the governor issued Executive Order N-01-25 directing state agencies to recommend potential actions to limit the harms associated with ultra-processed foods and food ingredients that pose a health risk to individuals. The CDE is seeking industry feedback to help determine considerations when exploring higher nutrition standards for school meals. Share your perspective here.
Proposed Elimination of SNAP-Ed in the House Committee on Agriculture Budget Reconciliation
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a reconciliation bill that includes significant reductions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, including eliminating SNAP-Ed, a program that implements nutrition programs in low-income schools and community settings and provides nutrition education and obesity prevention resources directly to people who receive SNAP benefits. SNAP plays a critical role in improving access to nutritious foods, including affordable dairy products, to improve health outcomes and nutrition security. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration and negotiations. The administration’s goal is to have the final bill passed and signed by July 4, 2025. Learn more about SNAP here. You can learn more about SNAP-Ed and share your perspective here.
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program Turns 25
USDA’s Farm Service Agency is celebrating 25 years of the popular Farm Storage Facility Loan Program this month. For a quarter century, family-owned agricultural operations have received low-interest financing through the program to enhance or expand their operations and manage marketing of the commodities they produce by building or upgrading permanent and portable storage facilities and purchasing needed handling equipment. Learn more here.
Spotlight on Dairy Research + Media
Best regards,
Amy DeLisio, CEO
Dairy Council of California