On September 30, 2026, World School Milk Day provided an opportunity to spotlight milk's vital role in student nutrition, health, and learning. Through strong social media engagement, local media coverage, and Mobile Dairy Classroom presentations statewide, we amplified evidence-based messages about school nutrition while recognizing the dedicated people who help nourish California's students every day.
With schools now having greater flexibility to offer more milk options that align with student preferences and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, World School Milk Day served as a powerful reminder of the role milk plays in supporting students' health, wellness, and success.
In partnership with the California Milk Processor Board and the iconic Got Milk? campaign, Dairy Council of California recognized Unsung Heroes working in school nutrition programs across the state. Mobile Dairy Classroom instructors presented recognition posters to deserving recipients in their local communities, celebrating their commitment to student health and well-being. The Unsung Heroes campaign will continue throughout the year to shine a spotlight on these everyday heroes who support student nutrition and help students thrive.
.png?sfvrsn=c89b2902_1)
We are pleased to welcome Tara Bugos as the newest Mobile Dairy Classroom (MDC) Instructor serving Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, Southern Los Angeles County, and Long Beach.
Tara holds a B.S. in Agricultural Science with an emphasis in Animal Science from Cal Poly Pomona and brings extensive experience in dairy and livestock management, animal welfare, and agricultural education.
Her background includes participation on the Cal Poly Pomona Livestock Show Team and representing 4-H and FFA, providing her with valuable experience engaging diverse audiences. Tara’s passion for agriculture and education will help students throughout Southern California make meaningful connections to dairy farming, nutrition, and where their food comes from. We are excited to have Tara on the Dairy Council of CA team! 
California AB 2244 Signed Into Law
Governor Newsom has signed AB 2244, establishing a voluntary “Non-Ultraprocessed Certified” labeling program in California. The law directs the state to accredit certifying bodies and develop a standardized seal for foods that meet the bill’s criteria for not being ultra-processed. The measure is intended to help consumers identify less-processed food options while creating new labeling and certification requirements for food manufacturers and retailers. The potential opportunities and risks for nutrient-dense foods, like dairy foods, resulting from various UPF approaches has become a trending topic. Dairy Council of CA has developed a scientific summary to support the dairy community and policy makers as they engage in regulatory dialogues related to UPF’s. Read the summary here.
Federal Food and Nutrition Policy
Due to priorities at the federal level, the release of several food and nutrition related guidance has been stalled. Dairy Council of CA continues to monitor the progress of the release of the proposed school meal rule as well as the guidance on UPF definition and policy implementation and will share timely updates and opportunity for dairy community engagement.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that dairy producers starting today can enroll for 2027 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), a voluntary risk management program. DMC enrollment for 2027 starts Oct. 5 and runs through Dec. 18, 2026. Find out more information about this program here.
The UC Davis annual Salute to Agriculture football game took place last week, providing an opportunity to celebrate California's rich farming heritage. The event connects the UCD campus and local community with the science, innovation, and people behind modern food production. Hosted for the third consecutive year by the CLEAR Center in partnership with the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the event featured pre-game tailgates, with the highlight being our Mobile Dairy Classroom (MDC).
Check out this article by the UC Davis Clear Center featuring Efrain Valenzuela, Director of the MDC program, and more event highlights.
Dairy Council of California’s recent Food as Health webinar, Turning Nutrition Research into Practical Strategies for Bone and Muscle Strength, explored how health professionals can translate current research into actionable guidance that supports health across the lifespan. The webinar and accompanying resources feature practical strategies related to protein, calcium, vitamin D and dairy foods, along with expert responses from Dr. Connie Weaver on bone health, nutrient absorption and dairy’s role in healthy dietary patterns.
The recording provides one CPEU through the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and presentation slides, patient education materials and additional healthy aging resources are also available.
Explore Nutrition — Available Now
Created in partnership with educators and dietitians, Explore Nutrition for Ages 9–11 is a new, flexible unit that brings food and nutrition to life in classrooms and community programs. The evidence-based lessons explore food groups, nutrients, gut health, food labels and packaging while helping young people build meaningful connections to the foods they eat. Digital materials are available now at no cost, and free print materials for California educators are expected to begin shipping in late October.
The Great Food Quest — Premiering October 16
The Great Food Quest is a new Farm-to-School broadcast video series that invites children to discover where food comes from, how it travels from farm to table and how nutritious choices support growth and learning. Presented primarily in English with key nutrition messages in Spanish, the series connects young viewers with agriculture, nutrition and their communities through engaging storytelling and interviews with local farmers. It was produced by KVCR Television in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and Dairy Council of California.
A new Scientific Reports study of 37,366 U.S. adults found that fermented dairy food consumption was associated with lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with risk reductions of 18% and 20%, respectively, compared with non-consumption. The researchers observed the lowest mortality risk at approximately 150 g/day of fermented dairy food consumption – which is approximately one 1 daily serving of yogurt intake. Since this was an observational study, the findings demonstrate an association and do not establish causation but do add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the health and longevity benefits of regularly consuming fermented dairy foods.
Why School Milk Matters More Than Ever - In a recent Hoard’s Dairyman insert, CEO Amy DeLisio highlights the essential role school milk plays in student nutrition, growth and well-being. The article explores how expanded milk choices can help schools meet student preferences while maintaining nutrition standards, and underscores the importance of pairing access to nutritious dairy foods with education that supports lifelong healthy eating patterns. Read the article in our newsroom.
Dairy Foods Support Nutrition Needs for Healthy Aging - In a recent Hoard’s Dairyman Intel article, Amy shares how dairy foods can support strength, mobility and independence across the lifespan. The article highlights dairy’s high-quality protein and unique package of nutrients for muscle and bone health, along with the potential benefits of fermented dairy foods for gut and cognitive health—reinforcing opportunities for the dairy community to support healthy aging through trusted education and resources. Read the article in our newsroom.
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