The Dairy Alliance Partners with NC State to Promote Performance Benefits of Dairy Milk at Annual Moonlight Howl and Run

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has partnered with North Carolina State University to showcase the performance advantages of real dairy milk during the university's 10th annual Moonlight Howl and Run event on August 21. This signature Wolfpack Welcome Week tradition attracts thousands of students for an evening of high-energy activities, with this year's celebration emphasizing dairy milk as the optimal fuel for student performance and recovery.

Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Vice President of Strategic Marketing for The Dairy Alliance, explained the strategic importance of this partnership, stating that the event provides an ideal platform to connect with students in an energetic environment and demonstrate how real dairy supports active lifestyles. The organization will distribute real dairy milk to participants as they cross the finish line, helping students recover, rehydrate, and recharge with milk's high-quality protein and natural electrolytes.

The recovery benefits stem from dairy milk's unique nutritional composition, which includes high-quality protein for muscle repair and natural electrolytes to replenish what is lost during intense physical activity. This makes real dairy milk a proven advantage for both athletes and active students seeking optimal performance and recovery.

Laura Buxenbaum, Vice President of Health and Wellness for The Dairy Alliance, emphasized the scientific backing behind dairy milk's benefits, noting that it delivers the optimal balance of carbohydrates and protein for muscle recovery. This makes it an intelligent choice for students pushing their physical limits during the event and in their daily activities.

The first 2,300 participants checking in at Talley Student Union will receive complimentary T-shirts and glow accessories, while The Dairy Alliance team will distribute bracelets, straws, and performance-focused nutrition information. Following the run, NC State staff will distribute the university's own Howling Cow chocolate milk, providing participants with an opportunity to refuel with real dairy products. For additional information about The Dairy Alliance and its initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.

This partnership represents a significant opportunity to educate thousands of college students about the nutritional benefits of dairy products during a high-visibility campus event. The collaboration between The Dairy Alliance and NC State demonstrates how strategic partnerships can effectively communicate health and wellness messages to young adults while supporting active lifestyles. The event's focus on performance nutrition aligns with growing consumer interest in functional foods that provide tangible benefits beyond basic nutrition.

The Moonlight Howl and Run partnership also highlights the dairy industry's ongoing efforts to connect with younger demographics through experiential marketing and campus engagement. By participating in popular university traditions, The Dairy Alliance can directly demonstrate dairy milk's performance benefits to a key consumer group that is actively making dietary choices that will influence their long-term health habits. This approach represents a modern strategy for promoting traditional food products in competitive beverage markets.