Trends Updates for the Dairy Community

This June, in addition to celebrating National Dairy Month, we hosted our first official hybrid board meeting at our new office in Sacramento. We kicked the meeting off with an open house and reception the evening before. Board members and partners enjoyed a gallery walk meeting with Dairy Council of California team members, learning more about our key initiatives, highlighting collaborative work with our nutrition champions and exploring future partnership opportunities.

At the board meeting, we provided an update on our two joint research projects with the California Dairy Research Foundation focused on early childhood interventions—one that explores the benefits of whole milk on the microbiome and the other that identifies fermented dairy food preferences of USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children eligible populations. Additionally, our strategic success plan and budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year were approved. We are excited to implement our new plan and strategies starting in July.

Below you will find relevant updates and opportunities for the dairy community to engage in current food and nutrition trends and policy discussions.

2025 Trends Updates for the Dairy Community

Dairy Council of CA’s update of the 2025 Trends highlights key information, pertinent updates and implications for the dairy community. The Trends topics include insights into the widening health gap, a growing focus on women’s health, and the rapidly evolving food and nutrition policy landscape. These topics are also relevant to the dairy community, as dairy foods continue to play a key role in delivering essential nutrients to support health across the life span. Staying informed on food and nutrition trends will help the dairy sector identify new opportunities, better meet consumer needs and effectively adapt to challenges in the environment. Read the 2025 Trends Updates for the Dairy Community here.

Collaboration in Action: Report Spotlights School Meal Solutions 

We’re announcing the release of Well-Nourished, Brighter Futures: Dairy Dialogue Report, capturing insights and recommendations from our recent convening focused on advancing equitable, sustainable school meals. The report highlights actionable strategies—like integrating culturally relevant dairy options and strengthening local food systems—to better support student health. Read the full report to explore how collaborative efforts across education, agriculture and health are shaping the future of school nutrition. 

Healthy Eating TABLE: Older Adults

Dairy Council of CA is excited to release the newest edition of The Healthy Eating TABLE, which translates , amplifies and bridges the latest evidence in nutrition and dairy science. This year’s publication focuses on older adult health and nutrition, highlighting a food-forward approach to gut, bone, muscle and brain health, as well as critical nutrients for healthy active aging and simple nutrition tips for older adults. Read The Healthy Eating TABLE. 

Ultra-Processed Foods: Evaluating Nutrition Science and Diet Quality

The interest in addressing ultra-processed foods through policy, regulation and guidelines is an increasingly timely topic. Dairy Council of CA continues to monitor this emerging topic and how it impacts the dairy community. Our team has developed an informative handout to help navigate the scientific evidence on food processing and health to make informed food and nutrition policies. You can download the handout here.

Spotlight on Dairy Research + Media

• Celebrate Dairy Around the World. Dairy Council of CA was recently featured on ABC10's Your California Life. Crystal Orozco, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and I discuss how cultures around the globe enjoy dairy in traditional and delicious ways. Learn more and watch the segment here.
• Insights on Protein Consumption in Food Business News. In a recent article of Food Business News, “More Protein Is Better … or Is It?” I offer a science-based perspective on the popularity of protein-enriched foods, emphasizing the importance of quality and balance in protein choices. Read the full article here.
• Voice of California Agriculture Podcast. This month, I joined Gary Sack on the Voice of California Agriculture podcast in celebration of June Is Dairy Month. On the episode, we discuss the many health benefits of dairy and its evolving role in supporting overall wellness, the history and importance of June Is Dairy Month and this year’s theme, Dairy Around the World. Learn more here.

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