The Dairy Alliance Expands Youth Nutrition Programs with Grants Benefiting 375,000 Southeast Students
TL;DR
The Dairy Alliance grants provide schools with competitive advantages by enhancing milk consumption through innovative programs that improve student nutrition and academic performance.
The Dairy Alliance awarded 124 DO grants for milk dispensers and smoothie programs, plus 191 Fuel Up and GENYOUth grants, benefiting 375,000 students across eight southeastern states.
These dairy nutrition programs create lasting change by providing students with essential nutrients for growth while supporting healthier communities across the Southeast.
Milk delivers 13 essential nutrients including calcium and protein through fun programs like smoothies and Moo Brew that engage students in healthy habits.
Found this article helpful?
Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!
The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has significantly expanded its youth wellness programs across the region, awarding grants that will benefit nearly 375,000 students. These initiatives focus on increasing dairy milk consumption through innovative approaches in schools throughout Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
According to Laura Buxenbaum, VP Health and Wellness at The Dairy Alliance, dairy nutrition education plays a crucial role in establishing healthy habits early in life. The grants provide schools with resources to serve milk in fresh and engaging ways, including smoothies, milk dispensers, and other creative programs. These efforts aim to supply students with the essential energy and nutrition required for learning, growth, and academic excellence.
In spring 2025, the organization awarded 124 Dairy Optimization (DO) grants, funding programs such as Moo Brew, Smoothies, and Milk Dispensers to enhance the school milk experience for more than 80,000 students. Later in May and June, an additional 191 Fuel Up and GENYOUth grants provided Smoothie Kits and Mobile Meal Kits, benefiting over 128,000 students during the 2025–2026 school year. Furthermore, 258 GENYOUth NFL Flag-In-School Football kits were distributed, engaging more than 166,000 students in physical activities alongside nutritional education.
The Dairy Alliance Youth Wellness team provides comprehensive training to school nutrition staff on effectively using grant-funded equipment and implementing these programs. They deliver dairy nutrition education to help students understand the benefits of milk and dairy foods, particularly for building strong bones and bodies. Milk contains 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, making it a vital component of a balanced diet. Additional program activities include student taste tests, recipe sharing, and providing dairy-specific resources for both schools and families.
This expansion of dairy education programs represents a significant investment in student health across the Southeast, potentially influencing long-term dietary habits and overall wellness. For more information about these initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
